Will DeWitte

The meeting included public comment regarding a 'Civics Refresh' session and an inquiry about the solar project. The Commissioners reviewed a side-by-side comparison of three bids for a solar array project, which is projected to save $24,000 annually at the jail; the committee is preparing a formal recommendation. The board approved manifests and reviewed financial totals, including payroll and accounts payable. The Executive Director reported on the review and signing of the 2025 Audit Engagement, approval of a letter to the Delegation regarding a budget meeting, a 2026 election overview, and an agreement to initiate negotiations for the 2027-2030 MVC contract. Employee longevity recognition was observed for three employees with five years of service. The board entered and reconvened from a non-public session.

The meeting covered public comments regarding agency staffing and holiday pay, and announcements about local civics sessions. Key actions included the approval of the January 5, 2026, meeting minutes and various financial manifests. The Commissioners approved a significant funding transfer of $416,176 from Human Services-BEAS to cover overspent line items, following discussion on the BEAS budget overage. They also approved encumbrances totaling $3,600,084.60 to carry over 2025 projects, and a specific encumbrance of $72,462 for outstanding 2025 inmate medical bills. Three bids for a solar array project were received and forwarded for subcommittee review, with requests made to include decommissioning bond requirements and review installation impact on the jail. An update on the MVC Laundry Addition project indicated it is on schedule for a May 2026 completion. Other business included recognizing an employee for 15 years of service, confirming that non-profits were notified regarding 2026 budget cuts, and agreeing to continue allowing six current retirees on the county dental insurance plan at their own cost, while barring new retirees from joining. The Board voted to contract with Blue Lion for department head performance evaluations. Public comment concluded with discussion on the status of the 2026 budget awaiting Delegation approval and concerns about past insurance issues for deceased or former employees.

The meeting included public comments addressing requests for information regarding evidence vehicles, agency staff numbers, and holiday pay. Key actions taken included the approval of manifests and payroll figures, as well as an approved line item transfer of $3,500 for the jail. The board considered a proposal from Blue Lion Consulting for department head performance evaluations and approved an amended agreement with Berry Dunn for finance department assistance. Financial updates included receiving notification of a partial refund from NH Interlocal Trust and scheduling the 2026 audit. The Commissioners reviewed the after-event report concerning the December ice storm and approved an agreement with White Mountain Community College for employee training. Furthermore, a three-year lease agreement for the Oak Hill Tower was approved. The board also held a non-public session, the minutes of which were voted to be sealed.

The Commissioners' meeting involved public comments regarding agency staffing and holiday pay, and an announcement for a civics session. Key actions included the approval of the January 5, 2026 meeting minutes and financial disbursements via manifests. The board approved a significant funding transfer of $416,176 from the Human Services-BEAS line item to cover overspent accounts, following a discussion about the BEAS line item being overbudgeted. Encumbrances totaling $3,600,084.60 from the 2025 budget were approved to continue ongoing projects, along with an additional encumbrance of $72,462 for outstanding inmate medical bills from 2025. The board opened three bids for a solar array project and reviewed the MVC Laundry Addition timeline, which is on track for May 2026 completion. Other business included recognizing a Facilities Director for 15 years of service, confirming non-profit funding notifications, and establishing a policy to discontinue enrollment of new retirees in the County dental insurance plan, while allowing current six participants to continue at their own cost. The Commissioners also voted to contract with Blue Lion to coordinate 360-degree performance evaluations for department heads. Public comment later addressed the status of the 2026 budget which awaited Delegation approval, and discussions regarding retiree dental coverage from the past.

The agenda for the meeting includes the Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Public Comment/Media Questions. Key items for approval include manifests for multiple payrolls and accounts payable dates spanning December 2025 through January 2026, line-item transfers, and encumbrances. Scheduled discussions include an update on the Laundry Addition Project, the Hale's Location Board of Selectmen Meeting, and a 2026 Budget Hearing. The agenda also lists a bid opening for a Solar Array, discussion on Employee Longevity and Retiree Dental, the Executive Director Report, and potential Non-Public Sessions.