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01-12-2026

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Town of Sullivan, NH
Budget Committee
Approved Meeting Minutes, Monday, January 12, 2026
Sullivan Town Hall

Board members present: Mike Blanchard, Aimee Fador, Gary Patnode, Bradford Smith, BJ Wahl

Board Representatives: Dave Jakway, Selectmen; Virginia DeAngelis, Selectmen alternate, Paul Bolduc,
Selectmen Alternate;

Departments: Mike Blanchard, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Department; Dave Jakway, Board of Selectmen

Public: None

Staff: Kathleen Rowe, Secretary

CALL TO ORDER: Brad Smith, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM

Brad Smith introduced Aimee Fador, new member of the Budget Committee. Brad also noted Sherry
Connor’s resignation, effective this date.

Ona motion by Aimee Fador, seconded by Gary Patnode, the minutes of the of January 5, 2026 Budget
Committee were unanimously approved as written.

1. BUDGET REVIEW

A. 4220 - Fire Department: $57,853, (+582.00)
Mike Blanchard presented.

390: Mike noted the largest increase in the budget is for Fire Mutual Aid ($16,368 +$3,587). This system
has recently gone through an audit, and a number of factors including increased assessments in area
towns, effected a rate increase region-wide.

Gary asked what services were provided by Mutual Aid; Mike explained that this is the central dispatch
for region-wide emergency calls. Without this, towns would need to support local dispatching at
substantial expense. SWFMA also provides radio repair and attendance at large-scale emergencies,
providing communications assistance.

430: Building maintenance: $1000 (+$500) installation materials for new lighting

662:Radio Repair & Maintenance: $1500 (-$1500) Mike noted that there are grant opportunities for new
radios in 2026; the existing radios are in good repair.

740: New Equipment: $6000 (no change) The Fire Department replaces hose on a rotating basis; line item

includes miscellaneous tools as needed.

4290 - Emergency Management: $450 (no change) Standing request


Page 2 of 3 Budget Committee Minutes

Fire Department Capital Reserves:
4917-02: Fire Department Vehicle: $35,000 (to augment current balance). Mike explained that the Town

trucks are all in good condition right now. To Gary's question regarding which vehicle is the most likely to
be replaced in the near future, Mike noted that either the 1990 Pierce tanker or the Sterling pumper
(purchased new in 2003) would need replacement; a smaller truck (1500 gallons) would be sufficient. The
cost (new) is upwards of $750,000.

4917-04: Breathing Apparatus $2500 for annual upkeep

4917-22: Dry Hydrant $5,000: to replace dry hydrant at Rt. 9 and Centre Street. The current hydrant has
failed; with this appropriation there should now be sufficient funds to have permitting and construction
done in 2026.

Paul commented that it is important that the budget Committee recognize the amount of time and the
value of materials being volunteered by members of the Fire Department. Without this, expenses would
be much higher. Additionally, the combined expertise of key members is invaluable and will not be able to
be replaced when no longer available. Mike added that SFD volunteers completed the build-out on the
new squad vehicle at no cost to the Town.

In answer to Aimee’s question about membership, Mike explained that there are currently 13 members,
of which 9 are fully active and reliable. The Department is always looking for help, including that which
does not require firefighting or EMS certification. To Gary’s question, Mike noted that people who would
be willing to do work on general projects not requiring certification (tasks such as truck checks) would be
valuable to the Fire Department.

B. Board of Selectmen

4130: Salaries $70,836 (+$266)
Dave noted that all salary lines include the Federal COL increase (2.8%). Adjustments in hours and salaries
for 2026 result in n overall .38% increase.

4140: Election/Registration: $4,864 (+3863) There are three elections in 2026 versus one in 2025.
Additionally, specialized software for both school and town elections is now required by the State, adding
$1300.

4150: Financial: $56,552 (-$1,831) Selectmen were able to initiate savings through changes in attendance
at annual TC/TC seminars (1 person per seminar, 2 seminars) and savings from changes in Municipal
Resources Inc. (accounting) staffing.

4152: Revaluation: $9,646 (+646): Increase in Avitar charges for annual utilities analysis; monthly update
costs remain static.

4153: Legal and Audit: $44,875 (+3225): Increase results from land use and ordinance challenges coupled
with increased legal fees.

4155: Personnel: $8,744 (-$1,103): Includes Social Security and Medicare taxes, unemployment and
Workmen’s Compensation. Decrease results from reallocation of costs across departments.


Page 3 of 3 Budget Committee Minutes

4194: Building Maintenance: ($17, 600 (+720) This account include telephone, propane and electricity as
well as general maintenance (mowing, cleaning, etc.). Additional funds allocated to the latter are for
increased general maintenance costs (Waste Management, cleaning, small repairs).

Dave noted that the Selectmen are taking quotes for a VOIP telephone system which will provide
substantial savings for all departments.

4210: Police Services: $64,346 (+$9,339) Cheshire County Sheriff's Department is hiring and training
officers for additional patrolling in 2026.

4215: Ambulance: $25,539 (+12,182) This is an anticipated increase; 2025 was supported by one-time
funds available to the City of Keene.

4414: Health & Welfare: $39,655 (+975) Direct Assistance and Vendor Payments remain stable; Health
Agencies increased with the addition of Tiny Tummies, a local non-profit service agency providing major
assistance in food delivery from the NH Food Bank to the Sullivan Food Pantry, an independent agency.

Capital Reserves:
4917-09: Building Major Maintenance $25,000: To augment reserve fund for future major repairs
4917-10: Reassessment: $7,000: To fund 2029 reassessment

3. OTHER BUSINESS:
© Next meeting of the Budget Committee will be 1/19/2025 at 6:00 PM, Sullivan Town Hall to
discuss Sullivan School District Budget and make recommendations.
© With Sherry Connor's recent resignation, the Board again needs one more member to be
complete.

4, ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 7:30PM made by Mike Blanchard, seconded by BJ Wahl, all aye.

Kathleen N. Rowe, AA
Secretary