Board of Selectmen Meeting, October 3, 2022

Watercross lawsuit ruling, new Interim Town Administrator, inflation making for budget woes

Watercross Lawsuit

Rockingham Superior Court ruled on the suit by abutters regarding the town’s zoning board’s giving permission for watercross events at 214 Raymond Road ruling against the abutters.

Inflation and the Budget

Town Administrator Chris Sterndale reported that the town has been told to anticipate double-digit increases in health insurance premiums. The exact figures will be known in a few weeks.

Fire Chief J. Vilchock projects that due to the huge increases in fuel prices the Fire Department is going to come in at about 25% over budget for fuel. Other inflation and supply chain issues are also causing budget woes for the department. He projects the need for a substantial budget increase next year to support 24/7 staffing.

Elaborating on the overall budget picture, Chris Sterndale advised the board that they were going to see many lines on the budget that were way off of plan, but overall spending is still within the budget.

Interim Town Administrator

The town has secured the services of an interim town administrator until the open position can be filled. As it may take a long time to fill the position, the new interim manager’s relationship with the town is open-ended.

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