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Non-Public 

RSA 91-A:3, II(i) Consideration of matters relating to the preparation for and the carrying out of  emergency functions, including training to carry out such functions, developed by local or state  safety officials that are directly intended to thwart a deliberate act that is intended to result in  widespread or severe damage to property or widespread injury or loss of life. 

Next Meeting Monday, March 9, 2026

Town Administrator's Report

1.   RSA 41:14 states that the annual report must be available to voters at least seven days prior to the annual town meeting.

2.   2026  State Legislation  - Updates

PUBLIC RISK POOLS

         Three proposals related to regulation of risk pools became public Thursday and is scheduled for a public hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, February 10, at 2:30 p.m. in State House (SH) Room 103. 

SB 661 -- Creates additional costs for members - will subject political subdivision members to potential mid-year assessments if risk pool losses fall below certain minimum reserve amounts specified in the statute or if the pool is deemed insolvent.   Establishes a new mandate for municipalities - Municipalities would be required to create a non-lapsing reserve fund (a health care stabilization fund) to participate in a health pool.  The bill requires the municipal member to fund the reserve fund in an amount equal to at least 1% of the municipality’s health contribution until the fund is equal to 4% of contributions. If the reserve fund is used to pay a special assessment, then the municipality must again rebuild at the rate of at least 1% per year until the fund is at 4%.  Changes to pool members’ responsibilities: Under the bill, a municipality must agree in writing that they are ultimately the responsible party for any potential losses incurred while participating in a risk pool.  

The only substantive difference between SB 297 and SB 661 was the removal of a section in SB 297 that allows the Secretary of State to step in if a risk pool fails to provide an annual audit or an annual actuarial valuation.  

SB 605, a bill that allows risk pools to levy special assessments if the pool’s agreement, contractual provisions, or bylaws indicate the right to levy special assessments; the bill also establishes a 36-month payment period for future assessments. 

HB 1491, which is essentially the House position that the Senate rejected last year. This bill also allows both models of risk pools to exist in New Hampshire. Under the bill, assessable pools will remain under the authority of the Secretary of State, while non-assessable pools will shift oversight to the Department of Insurance. 

HB 1064 goes too far and creates serious financial risks for municipalities. Significantly raising liability caps will increase insurance and risk pool costs, which will be borne by property taxpayers. Additionally, this bill will limit a municipality’s ability to claim immunity as a defense in negligence claims, meaning municipalities will have greater financial exposure. Small communities will be disproportionately impacted, as a single large claim could force cuts to public safety, roads, or education. 

SELECTMEN REPORTS

1. Recreation Commission Representative - F. Robert Leary Sr.

2. School Facilities Improvement Committee - John Brunelle

3. Budget Committee Representative - John Brunelle

4. Planning Board Representative - Steven G. Gannon

5. Capital Improvement Committee Representative - Kimberly M. Queenan

6. Conservation Commission Representative - Dianne Plansky

7. Heritage Commission Representative -    

8. Emergency Management Team - John Brunelle

9. Energy Committee - Steven G. Gannon

10. Economic Development Committee - Kimberly M. Queenan

 Adjournment