James McIntire

The board discussed departmental updates for the supervision program, including budget utilization, juvenile case management, staff training, and the impact of insurance issues on local programs. Financial reports were presented covering the general fund, nursing home operations, opioid fund management, sheriff's department fees, and projected cash flow. The commissioners also addressed accounting procedures for opioid-related funds to ensure compliance with audit requirements.

The board received an update on maintenance projects, including sheriff facility upgrades, office relocations, and infrastructure design. Bids were approved for HVAC system upgrades and the installation of granite headstones at Primrose Cemetery. A financial update covered year-to-date revenues, expenses, and audit findings. The board approved the acceptance of a VOCA grant, adopted HRA and FSA plans, and reviewed credit card limit adjustments. Additional discussions included food service operations at the nursing home and Department of Corrections, a Byrne Stride grant opportunity, and a request regarding an increase in sheriff fees.

The meeting included a first-quarter update from the Registry of Deeds covering revenue, staffing, and a fraudulent deed recording. The Board approved updates to the Department of Corrections CORE program to increase flexibility and access to services. Approval was granted to waive the competitive bidding process for the purchase of a new transport vehicle funded through a grant. Concerns were discussed regarding the extraditions budget line due to an increase in specific case types. Additionally, the Board authorized the termination of the Cura food service contract for the nursing home and the Department of Corrections, with a transition plan to Sodexo. A non-public session was held to address a grievance hearing.

The meeting included an update from the Registry of Deeds regarding revenue and document counts, as well as property fraud alert awareness. The Board discussed and approved adjustments to the correctional programming model to expand inmate assessment and participation. Additionally, the Board reviewed a proposal for the purchase of a new 15-passenger transport van, discussing the vehicle specifications, all-wheel drive capabilities, and the waiver of the competitive bid process for the turnkey package.

The meeting focused on budgetary deliberations and fiscal approvals. Key agenda items included the approval of cost items for bargaining units and support staff, and a detailed review of the 2026 budget proposals, specifically addressing tax levy requirements. Several motions regarding funding amounts for community organizations such as UNH Cooperative Extension and the Belknap County Conservation District were debated and voted upon. Furthermore, the delegation reached a decision on a capital improvement line item within the jail budget and finalized the total budget, including revenue and expenditure projections, with an approved budget increase of 4.4%.