The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

PUBLIC 2025 BUDGET HEARING

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Chair, read the Notice of the Budget Hearing and called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM.  She introduced herself, Mr. Steve Dalessio, Selectboard, Mr. Rich Kreissle, Manager of Finance, Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ms. Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary. Ms. Carolyn Vose, Selectboard, was unable to attend. Ms. Mayberry also recognized the department managers that were present: Mrs. Jane Malmberg, Library; Mr. Kaian Wilkes, Recreation; Mr. Ben Hoy, Recycling; Mrs. Meghan Hansson, Town Clerk, and Mr. Steve Varone, Treasurer.

Ms. Mayberry went through the budget highlighting changes, both increases and decreases, including:

• The Selectboard has been paid $3,000 per year for more than 20 years. The stipend is to increase to $5,000 a year.
• Health insurance increased by 7.9%. 
• The financial audit estimate was up and the Selectboard is evaluating how to proceed.

During the budget preparation, three years of historical data was considered to ensure the budget is realistic.

Overall, the increase for 2025 is only 0.53%, which is much lower than inflation.

There was a discussion of the solar panels at the Recycling Center.  Mr. Hoy said that 24.6 MW of solar power was generated in 2024, starting in June.  That covered all the power needs at Recycling Center and the excess was applied to the Town Hall bill.

It was noted that there is a 14.33% budget increase for the Recycling Center, partly because of an extra full-time employee. The position was previously part-time.  Mr. Varone suggested raising the price of yellow bags. However, there was a concern that the increase would unfairly impact lower income residents.

It was noted that our Police Department is doing a good job keeping Walpole safe despite the working conditions in our current police station.  It was also noted that our Fire and EMS are doing an excellent job.  Walpole is extremely lucky that all our First Responders are outstanding.

There being no further discussion, Ms. Mayberry closed the Public Budget Hearing at 6:01 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 20, 2025 Selectboard meeting.)