John Ludlam

The agenda for the meeting includes a presentation of the 2026 Budget Report by the Budget & Advisory Committee. The Consent Agenda covers payroll and accounts payable manifest dated March 4, 2026, a Notice of Intent to Cut for a specific property, and capital reserve fund withdrawals for Fire Equipment CRF (Turnout Gear) and Bridges CRF (2025 OCRN Expenses). The town will also address the acceptance of unanticipated funds for the Fire & Rescue Trust Fund. New Business items feature discussion on a Lease Agreement between the Town and R&R Communications for the radio tower site on Crotched Mountain, the release of a Letter of Credit for HEW Communications, Inc., and the authorization of Land Use Change Taxes warrants totaling $33,600.

Key discussions included reviewing and debating rodent repellent options as an alternative to rodenticides, with a suggestion to pilot test products at the museum. The Board forwarded plans from Fuss & O'Neill concerning the bridge over Collins Brook on Old County Road N to the NH DOT for approval. The Board also addressed the heavily scratched condition of the benches in Town Hall, considering increased maintenance or discussions with class instructors or the Recreation Committee regarding building usage. Additionally, the Historian announced her resignation, indicating the town will seek a replacement.

This document outlines Francestown's plan to withdraw from the Contoocook Valley Cooperative School District and establish an independent school district. The strategic intent is driven by the desire for local control, financial responsibility, enhanced community involvement, and the preservation of Francestown Elementary School (FES). The plan assesses educational quality, financial feasibility through a dedicated tax base, and the community and social benefits of local governance. Key recommendations include establishing an independent Francestown School District, withdrawing from SAU 1, and negotiating enrollment agreements with ConVal for grades 6-12, all aimed at continuing to provide quality education for its students.

The meeting focused on the review of draft 2026 Budget and Warrant Articles. Key discussions included reallocating funds from the IT Equipment budget to establish an Information Technology Trust Fund, introducing new warrant articles for groundskeeping equipment purchase, the Transfer Station Baler, and modification of the Service-Connected Total Disability Tax Credit. There was a suggestion to include an article regarding withdrawal from ConVal pending further discussion. Concerns were raised regarding the town's use of rodenticides, with the Conservation Commission recommending alternatives due to risks to wildlife. The Board approved revised financial manifests for January 6, 2026, and January 14, 2026, accepted a donation to the Thulander Museum Trust, and approved a revised timber tax warrant. New business included approving the minutes of the January 5, 2026 meeting and accepting a grant for the Scoby Pond Milfoil Mitigation up to $8,800. In old business, an award of $1,000 was approved for easements related to the Old County Road North Bridge Project, and the Town Administrator will issue an RFQ for engineering services for that federal project.

The meeting commenced with recognition for the Francestown Fire Department and assisting towns regarding a recent fire event. A primary focus was the review of the 2026 Budget and Warrant Articles, where the Town Administrator presented budget adjustments, notably reducing Hospice services funding initially, aiming for a sub-9% tax rate. An error in Warrant Article #6 was corrected. The Select Board and Budget & Advisory Committee unanimously recommended several articles, including Operating Budget, Capital Reserve Funding, Cemetery Maintenance Trust Funding, Contingency Fund, and various specific capital expenditures like equipment purchases, Fire Department upgrades, and Transfer Station improvements. The board also discussed and approved increasing various permit fees, raising trade permit fees from $50 to $75 and setting building permit fees at $0.30/sq ft. Other actions included accepting a $6,900 grant from the Office of Highway Safety for police details and approving a supplemental 2025 Property Tax Bill.