The Building Committee accepted minutes from July 21st. The group discussed a 60x80 foot building footprint to house a police department, a fire department with apparatus bays, and a public meeting space. They aim to avoid sprinkler requirements by using fire-rated walls to separate the garage bays from the offices. A member mentioned a steel building structure cost of $150,000 as a point of reference for pre-engineered framing. The committee agreed to consult Sean regarding code requirements, specifically square footage limits and fire wall specifications, to move forward with a design concept. The next meeting is scheduled for September 29th.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7XCJtMXhyQ
SPEAKER_7 moved to approve benefits for September 10, 2026, totaling $104,901.88, with a second by SPEAKER_6; all voted "aye." SPEAKER_7 then moved to approve benefits for September 17, 2026, in the amount of $19,170.97, seconded by SPEAKER_6; all voted "aye." The Selectboard approved purchasing a Cummins generator from Generator Connection for $27,585. SPEAKER_11 made the motion, amending it to this specific amount, with SPEAKER_15 seconding; all voted "aye." The board approved the 2027 Zoning Enforcement budget totaling $19,350, including a $17,550 salary. SPEAKER_7 moved approval, seconded by SPEAKER_6. SPEAKER_11 moved to support the Town Forrester's budget request of $1,000, seconded by SPEAKER_15; all voted "aye." Interviews for the finance administrative position are scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00 PM. The board received grants totaling $38,000 for the generator project, including $35,000 from the Manton Foundation. The fire department received permission to post for a secretary position.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6lE5YdLcbI
The Effingham Board of Selectmen meeting on September 1, 2026, approved the August 18 meeting minutes. The board ratified two manifests: $35,153.71 for August 20 and $25,805.58 for September 3. Officials designated the town administrator to sign a vehicle title for sale to the Carroll County Sheriff's Department. The board reviewed health officer forms regarding a facility restructuring. They discussed using metal voting booths for the upcoming election and relocating law enforcement records from the Connex shed to the police department. SPEAKER_10 reported positive landfill sampling results. The board approved the hiring of Stan Drillard as the new zoning officer. They agreed to schedule a budget work session for Friday, September 4, at 12:00 PM. SPEAKER_5 noted the Action Ambulance rate setting meeting is October 5 at 6:30 PM in Freedom. The board voted to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A:3-II(L) for legal matters.
The Budget Committee met August 25, 2026, and approved minutes from June 16, 2026. The committee set a goal to keep operating budget growth within the projected 3.6% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The schedule for fiscal year budget review was noted, with the Select Board meeting on the 15th.
A new town administrator, Stephen, was introduced. The committee discussed a revised nonprofit funding application, adding a requirement for profit/loss statements.
Regarding current finances, the janitorial budget under Contract Services (419401) was noted as significantly over-spent. Budgeted at $3,000, it reached $6,950 because a new company initially provided service weekly instead of bi-weekly as planned; this has since been corrected.
Department head budgets, including the $1,460 budget secretary position, were recommended to be level-funded for the upcoming year. The committee decided to defer to the Select Board and administration on whether pay raises take effect immediately or on April 1st. The next meeting is scheduled for September 22nd.
The Board approved minutes from August 4, 2026, and appointed Stephen as the new town administrator. Brett Russ was appointed to the Conservation Commission. The Board approved manifests totaling $527,913.71: $492,760.00 for August 13, 2026, and $35,153.71 for August 20, 2026. Waste management rates will increase to $428.33 per haul per container on January 1st. An ambulance services meeting is set for August 31st at 6:30 p.m. at Freedom Town Hall. A Zoning Board of Adjustment public hearing regarding a stair and deck safety project is scheduled for September 2nd at 7:15 p.m. The Board approved $4,000 from the Expendable Trust Fund to remove trees and brush at the library parking lot for new power poles. An RFP for the town hall roof project will be released pending new dates.