01/12/2026 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

January 12th, 2026

In person – Chairwoman Strand, Selectman MacDonald, Selectwoman Knowles, and Selectman Bruno.  Selectwoman Hibberd attended remotely.

Budget Hearing- Len Grubbs discussed the Library budget and Conservation Commission budget remained the same as last year.

Sean Gawlick, Executive Director for Bethlehem Events, requested an increase for gazebo concerts from $9,650 to $12,000 to cover rising costs.

Mary Moritz explained that an increase to the executive budget was partially a result of a road study that costs $16,000 to help plan maintenance schedules and future capital improvements.

Mary Jackson, Town Clerk/Tax Collector, proposed an increase as a result of upcoming 2026 elections, including salary adjustments for deputy town clerks and supervisors of the checklist.

Assessing saw a nearly 19% increase, with two contracted companies handling residential and cyclical reviews.

The board discussed Planning and Zoning, with Mary Moritz explaining that while the $60,000 cost was initially shocking, it was comparable to the previous employee’s total compensation including benefits.

The board reviewed General Government Buildings maintenance projects, with $40,000 budgeted for ongoing work including roof repairs and cleaning services and discussed a $6,000 allocation for derelict property cleanup with potential lien recovery.

Chief Dube discussed recent events involving a police cruiser accident, with no injuries reported. The budget for 2026 was reviewed, showing a 4.05% increase of $27,947, with significant increases in police officer salaries and part-time hours. The department is working towards full staffing, with one officer still needing academy training. There was also discussion about the need to letter patrol vehicles, with a cost of $1,200 per cruiser.

The fire department budget increased due to temporary leadership changes and maintenance needs. The board thanked Brian Charland for temporarily stepping in as Chief.

Bob Francis, the building inspector, proposed increasing building permit fees to align with neighboring towns’ rates, which would cover his salary increase, though concerns were raised about the impact on residents.

Dawn Ferringo presented the welfare budget, noting a reduction due to her new monthly stipend and increased rent allocation.

Abbie Sawyer discussed the recreation department’s general fund, which saw an 18% increase mainly due to added Social Security and retirement costs, as well as increased pool maintenance and personnel budgets. The Rec Revolving Fund was projected to have approximately $95,000 in revenue and $103,000 in expenditure, with the remaining $8,000 to be supported by the TEN Fund.

The town’s tax anticipation rate was reduced to $15,000, reflecting lower interest rates and improved cash flow management.

The Select Board reviewed the town’s budget recommendations, focusing on capital reserve funds and tax implications. Mary Moritz explained that while some capital reserve funds increased, others were reduced to reflect grants and future projects. The board discussed the possibility of modifying the police cruiser budget due to an insurance recovery, with Mary agreeing to investigate further.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to continue the budget hearing for January 19^th. Selectman Bruno seconded and all were in favor.

Updates and Other Board Business- Chairwoman Strand stated the TSC will have a draft RFP for the construction project finalized at their next meeting.

Selectman MacDonald updated the board that he attended the recent Bretzfelder Committee meeting.

Selectman Bruno motioned to reappoint Sarah Turtle and Liz Carter for three-year terms.  Selectman MacDonald seconded and all were in favor.

Federal Grant Procurement Policy Addendum- The board adopted a resolution to implement a Federal Grant Procurement Policy Addendum to ensure compliance with federal audit requirements for a $750,000 USDA grant.

Chairwoman Strand read the following resolution:

A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A FEDERAL GRANT PROCUREMENT POLICY ADDENDUM

WHEREAS, the Town of Bethlehem has adopted a Procurement Policy governing the purchase of goods and services; and

WHEREAS, the Town periodically receives federal grant funds, including funds passed through the State of New Hampshire; and

WHEREAS, federal law requires additional procurement standards and documentation when federal funds are expended; and

WHEREAS, the Select Board desires to ensure continued eligibility for federal funding and compliance with federal audit requirements while preserving the Town’s existing procurement framework;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Bethlehem Select Board hereby adopts the Federal Grant Procurement Policy Addendum as a supplement to the Town’s Procurement Policy adopted March 13, 2023.

Chairwoman Strand motioned to adopt resolution number 1. Selectwoman Knowles seconds and all were in favor. 

Minutes 1/5- Selectwoman Knowles motioned to approve the minutes from January 5^th.  Chairwoman Strand seconded and all were in favor.

Chairwoman Strand made a motion to adjourn at 8:15. Selectman MacDonald seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz