Deep River Board of Selectmen & Board of Finance Joint Meeting - October 27, 2026

The meeting began at 6:02 PM with the Board of Selectmen and continued with the Board of Finance at 7:05 PM on October 27, 2026. Key topics included an update from the Firehouse Building Committee, the tax collector position change from elected to appointed, ARPA fund reallocation, and a proposed joint meeting with the education boards. The public provided comments on community meeting schedules and property concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Tax Refunds: Approved two tax refunds totaling $254.52, moved and seconded, all in favor (Selectman Gates absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Morrissy (public): Corrected the minutes regarding the November 10 community meeting at John Winthrop, stating it is not a culmination but another meeting with the same agenda as prior ones. Time confirmed at 7:00 PM.
• Mike Joy (Whittle Sea Brook Road): Raised concerns about 245 Kelsey Hill Road process and suggested reviewing procedures to prevent future issues; also expressed anticipation for how Mount St. John funds will be spent.
• Mike Joy (second public comment): Noted that the traffic light at Main and Kelsey Hill is still non-functional, urging follow-up.

Discussion Items

• Firehouse Building Committee Update: Chair Zachary Macwill reported significant progress since March 2026. The committee reviewed multiple sites: the existing firehouse (floodplain issues, compensatory storage costs), Historical Society property (voted down), Deep River Market (acquisition cost), and Devits Field (town-owned, preferred due to cost-effectiveness and lack of floodplain). A preliminary design places the firehouse on the A field, preserving B field with improvements. The committee has met with Park & Rec, Little League, and Muster committees; zoning change and town meeting/vote will be required.
• Tax Collector Position Change (Elected to Appointed): Selectman Torres moved to send the ordinance change to a town meeting, citing a narrow labor pool (only two out-of-town certified candidates for a one-year term). Tax Collector Kate spoke in favor, noting low political nature of the role. Motion passed unanimously.
• Transfer Station Brush Grinding Contract: Selectman Torres flagged delays: the May grinding was done late in June, and August grinding started this week (two months late). The contract uses "on or about" language, but consistent monitoring was requested to ensure safety and contract compliance. The contractor noted cleanup issues (chains in brush).
• Social Services Additional Hours: Director requested 4 more hours/week (current 25 hours) to handle increased energy assistance applications and home visits. Approximate cost $560 per month ($35/hour). Board of Finance approved a temporary increase for 4 weeks (until next meeting) to bridge the gap.
• ARPA Funds Update: Remaining $57,487, with $25,000 committed for signage. Reallocating the remaining $32,487 is under review; state guidance suggests funds can be used under existing contracts signed before December 31, 2024. The board will evaluate contract values to obligate funds by year-end.
• Capital Cash Forecast & Fire Truck Payments: Treasurer Tim explained using general fund cash for the $658,000 fire truck payment in August, with a short-term note planned for Q1 2027 to avoid early bonding. Discussion emphasized ensuring minutes reflect board consensus.
• FY2026-27 Budget Actuals Review (September YTD): Revenues on track (55% collected). Items noted: building permits revenue low (posting lag), legal fees trending over (ethics and other matters), overtime for police attributed to Muster, and self-funding programs showing high expenditures offset by revenue. Follow-ups assigned.
• Mount St. John Fund Allocation: Selectmen presented a preliminary list totaling ~$983,000, including boiler replacement ($200k), salt shed ($250k), elevator repairs ($150k), beach tree removal ($20k), etc. The landfill capping ($1.6 million estimated) emerged as a priority. The board will finalize and bring to a town meeting.
• Joint Meeting with Education Boards: A special joint meeting with Deep River Elementary, Region 4, and Supervisory boards was scheduled for November 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM at Deep River Elementary School to discuss budget expectations and alignment.

Key Outcomes

• Firehouse Building Committee: Direction to continue pursuing Devits Field site; will seek public input and proceed with zoning change process.
• Tax Collector Position: Ordinance change to move from elected to appointed will go to a town meeting.
• Social Services: Approved temporary 4-hour/week increase for 4 weeks ($560).
• ARPA Funds: Finance director to evaluate existing contracts to reallocate remaining $32,487 by December 31, 2026.
• Mount St. John Funds: Selectmen to finalize priority list; Board of Finance will review and then recommend to town meeting.
• Joint Budget Meeting: Scheduled for November 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM with all education boards; a planning session for Selectmen and Board of Finance will precede it.
• Board of Finance adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM.