The Cheshire County Executive Committee met on August 17, 2026. Cheryl presented a second-quarter budget review showing total county and Maplewood Nursing Home expenses under budget by approximately $1.384 million. Revenues for these areas were under by about $688,000, resulting in a surplus of roughly $696,000. EMS ran a deficit of about $150,000.
The committee passed three budget amendments. First, they voted 9-0 to increase the State of New Hampshire proportional share funds revenue by $67,052 and reserve that amount in fund balance. Second, they voted unanimously to increase the miscellaneous revenue line by $476,668 for state abandoned property funds and reserve that amount. Third, they voted 9-0 to increase the sheriff's deputy payroll by $11,200 for a 40-hour position, offset by fund balance, pending a contractual agreement with the Monadnock Regional School District.
Representative Harvey authored a motion to increase the Community Kitchen budget by $20,000, offset by fund balance, citing rising gas and food costs.
The Cheshire County Commissioners met August 12, 2026, discussing facility maintenance and future planning. A motion to extend a non-FMLA leave of absence request for a Maple Wood employee was approved, with the employee returning in late October without pay. The panel reviewed an EMS facility presentation, noting they applied for a $50,000 planning grant to evaluate expansion needs for up to six ambulances. Discussions included rising fuel costs, with unleaded up 47% and diesel up 28% since February, affecting the Sheriff's Department and EMS. Administrators confirmed they would reallocate existing funds rather than ask the delegation for emergency money. No new budget appropriations or appointments occurred.
Commissioners unanimously accepted the Weekly Manifests and Minutes of July 29, 2026. County Administrator Coates reported propane costs are locked at $1.3647 per gallon and a County sponsored CDBG grant for Keene Daycare Center received Executive Council approval. Longevity awards will be issued via checks instead of gift cards. Superintendent Phillips stated camera project installation begins November 1, lasting two weeks, and sidewalk construction occurs at the end of August. DOC Maintenance Director Plaskiewicz reported a facility-wide hot water and air conditioning outage caused by a power surge; EEI identified a communications issue with major systems, with a target fix date of August 8. Coates is seeking transport van quotes from Fenton Dealership and Monadnock Ford for Maplewood Nursing Home. First Responders Appreciation Day is set for August 16, with Executive Committee and Delegation meetings scheduled for August 17.
Source: https://co.cheshire.nh.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Comm.-Minutes-Aug-5.pdf
During the meeting, Commissioners voted unanimously to accept weekly manifests and minutes from July 22, 2026. HR Director May reported 70 staff departures, with only 11 involuntary. Two Visa solutions nurses have started, and a third is expected soon. CCEMS is nearly fully staffed, while the DOC has four open positions. Safety Coordinator Perrin completed Primex audits, resulting in a 2.5% insurance discount. An active shooter tabletop exercise is planned for late August. The fleet traveled 44,272 miles in June using 2,925 gallons of fuel, with plans to integrate fuel tracking. Administrator Coates discussed applying for funding on July 29 for Maplewood, CCEMS, and Southwest NH District Fire Mutual Aid. EMS expansion plans include a study grant for either expanding the current facility or building new. First Responders Appreciation Day is scheduled for August 16th.
Source: https://co.cheshire.nh.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Comm.-Minutes-Jul-29-.pdf
Commissioners Clark, Stewart, and DiBernardo were present. Chief Kreamer proposed increasing CCEMS staffing to 13 per shift, costing approximately $765,000 annually including benefits. Commissioners decided to discuss this with the Delegation in August. Trombly noted CCEMS would owe money to the general fund to avoid tax impacts. A motion by Stewart, seconded by Clark, to accept the weekly manifests and July 8 minutes passed unanimously. Commissioners voted to enter non-public session at 8:40 AM, exited at 8:57 AM, re-entered at 8:58 AM, and exited again at 9:14 AM; no decisions were made in these sessions. The meeting adjourned at 10:21 AM. Coates reported applying for Rural Health Transformation Grant funding for Maplewood and EMS. The next meeting is scheduled for 9:30 AM next week at Maplewood.
Source: https://co.cheshire.nh.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Comm.-Minutes-Jul-29.pdf