Town of Hudson

The meeting included the approval of several consent items, notably a motion to accept the donation of a 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 WT for Fire Department training purposes. Key discussions centered on New Business items. The Board discussed a potential warrant article to increase the Service-Connected Permanent and Totally Disabled Veterans Tax Credit from $3,000 to $4,000 for the 2026 ballot, following recent legislative changes decoupling it from another veterans' credit. Another significant discussion involved the 100% solar exemption, with several members expressing concerns about its fairness to other taxpayers and considering a warrant article to eliminate it entirely or impose a cap, with further data requested for November discussion. The Board held a public hearing and approved the acceptance of Garden Circle as a Town road with a two-year maintenance bond. Department updates included an extensive review of the Recreation Department's operations, financial performance, and needs, particularly concerning facility capacity and staffing. The Supervisors of the Checklist proposed a warrant article to shorten their term length from six years to three years to encourage retention and discussed plans for upcoming elections and voter registration efforts. Finally, the Board began a discussion regarding the purchase of a new rescue boat for the Fire Department, noting delays related to a local boat ramp project.

The meeting focused extensively on budget presentations for various town entities, primarily concerning Fiscal Year 2027 estimates, while adhering to a 2.5% increase directive for general funds. Key discussions included the Trustees of the Trust Fund budget, where an increase in part-time salary was clarified. The Cemetery Trustees budget review focused on expected expenditures for grave stone restoration. The Tax Collector presented the FY27 budget, noting the increase was primarily due to anticipated postal and printing cost hikes, leading to a Board discussion about including these mandatory costs as out-of-budget requests or incorporating them directly into the budget. The Town Clerk presented her budget, emphasizing the need for increased office supplies due to a departmental split. For the Sustainability Advisory Committee, a preliminary budget was discussed, featuring adjustments for community roadside cleanups and clarification regarding the costs associated with Christmas light recycling shipping, which they plan to address further. The Benson Park Advisory Committee proposed reallocating funds from meals (covered by donations) to printing and signs. The Sewer Fund discussions covered significant professional services allocations potentially related to legal matters, increased electricity costs for pump stations leading to reduced sewer treatment expense projections, and adjustments in capital projects reserve funds due to success with sewer pipe lining, indicating a potential year-long pause on major line replacements to allow fund balance recovery. The Water Fund review addressed the operational status due to PFAS impact on one well, ongoing negotiations for a major water crossing project, and a detailed inquiry regarding the practice of sending separate water bills to both account holders and property owners.

The meeting included several recognitions, notably a 45-year service award for Fire Prevention Officer Steve Dube, and the presentation of a Citizen's Service Award to Kyle Reed and Don Tessier for their bravery in saving a resident and animals during a structure fire. Key agenda items involved financial matters and departmental needs. The Board approved extending a lease agreement for 9 Industrial Drive to Drive 4 CDL Academy, LLC, through February 28, 2026, pending a March 2026 town vote, with provisions for annual rent increases. David Cayot, the newly promoted Police Chief, was appointed as the Deputy Emergency Management Director. The Board authorized the purchase of three police utility vehicles from McGovern Municipal HQ for $182,013, requiring a waiver of competitive bidding requirements due to participation in the Greater Boston Police Council bidding process. A first read of a proposed Underwriting Policy for Hudson Community Television (HCTV) was conducted to generate revenue due to declining franchise fees, alongside a discussion regarding funding HCTV's operational costs by requesting 100% of the franchise fee revenue. Furthermore, the creation and interview process for a new Human Resources Generalist position were discussed, with Selectman Guessferd and Selectman Jakoby appointed to the interview committee. Finally, the Board concurred to authorize the use of $1.3 million from the Unassigned Fund balance to offset the 2025 tax rate, resulting in an approximate rate of $17.11 per thousand.

The meeting included a Budget Review session which began with a Non-Public Session. Key discussion items included the approval of several consent items, including the reallocation of Fire Department line-item funds. Separately, the Board approved Consent Item 6C2 after Chairman Dumont recused himself. New Business covered the acceptance of the Ledge Road eight-inch water main as town property and the acknowledgement that the associated private sewer force main was constructed to town standards. The Board reviewed the Town Hall Advisory Committee (THAC) recommendation concerning town-owned properties, ADA compliance, and consolidation efforts, subsequently voting to dissolve the THAC. Discussions were held regarding the Emergency Operations Plan, which was noted as informational pending a future full presentation. A detailed first read was conducted on the Ambulance Billing Policy, addressing changes in state law regarding balanced billing and the plan to formalize revenue reconciliation and debt write-off procedures. The Board also reviewed the proposal to transition the employee NH 457 Deferred Compensation Plan from the current manager (Mission Square) to the State of New Hampshire's plan, citing concerns over excessive fees. Updates were provided on the confirmation of local resident appointments to the Lower Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee. Finally, a FY27 Budget Wrap-Up focused on comparing mental health services provided by Shift (used by Police and Fire) and physical screening costs for the Fire Department through LifeScan Wellness Centers, including evaluating the potential benefit of LifeScan for Police Department physicals.

The Budget Review Meeting focused extensively on fiscal year 2027 budget presentations from several departments. The Assessing Department presented their budget, detailing that most costs relate to labor and external contracts for public utility and Target site valuations, while discussing potential future costs related to appeals. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed budget for professional services and the status of a vacant appraisal technician position. The Moderator's budget presentation covered funding for 2026 and 2027 election cycles, noting the required increase in poll workers for multi-election years and justifying increases in police detail costs. HCTV presented its budget, which is funded by a Comcast franchise fee, noting decreasing revenue and requesting that its 20% allocation of the franchise fee be returned to its revolving fund via a warrant article, while also budgeting for mandated ADA closed captioning software. HCTV also requested outside-the-budget funding for equipment replacement, including a video switcher and new cameras. The Recreation Department presented its budget, operating within the 2.5% increase parameters for non-salary/utility costs, and requested an outside-the-budget increase for seasonal counselor and CIT salaries to remain competitive. The Fire Department presented its FY27 budget, stating it remained within the 2.5% increase directive by removing one-time costs from FY26. Key budget adjustments discussed included reallocating funds from part-time salaries to contractual services, discussions on transportation and mileage reimbursement line items, and adding funds for generator repairs.