Salem Town Council Meeting - November 2, 2026

The Salem Town Council met on November 2, 2026 to approve minutes and the consent agenda, accept a police grant, and discuss a comprehensive fee schedule review presented by the Finance Committee. The chairman reminded residents to vote on November 3rd. The meeting included updates from the Town Manager on infrastructure projects and upcoming events.

Consent Calendar

• Approved motion to seal the minutes of November 2, 2026 (8-0).
• Approved minutes of October 14, 2026 (7-0-1, Councilor Betancourt abstaining).
• Approved minutes of October 19, 2026 (8-0).
• Approved the consent agenda, which included acknowledgment of a $350 donation from North Salem United Methodist Church for the Human Services Department to assist with client rent.

Public Hearing – Police Grant

• Police Chief Joel Dolan requested acceptance of a $30,000 grant from the New Hampshire Department of Justice under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) formula grant program. The funds will partially support the full-time victim witness advocate position. The council unanimously approved the grant (8-0), authorizing the Town Manager to execute the required documents.

Discussion Items

Finance Committee Presentation on Fee Schedule

• Alexei Popov (Vice Chair) and Kevin Wallace (Chair) of the Finance Committee presented a plan to evaluate the town's fee structure. Of approximately $23 million in total fee revenue, $14.5 million is controlled by the town. The committee proposed focusing on four categories—transfer station, ambulance billing, inspectional permits, and water/sewer rates—which account for 96% of controllable revenue.

• Transfer Station: The committee reported an annual deficit of roughly $1 million and potential misuse (commercial use, out-of-state vehicles). Councilor Stacy, chair of the Transfer Station Study Committee, stated that her committee is already investigating these issues, rendering a separate review unnecessary. Mr. Betancourt noted that complete cost recovery through fees would require a significant fee increase (estimated $200–400 per sticker) and observed that some subsidization, as with schools, is socially acceptable.

• Ambulance Billing: Billing practices have improved, but collection from self-pay patients is very low (approximately 1% of sent-to-collections amounts). Mr. Betancourt explained that a state law effective in 2025 sets reimbursement at 325% of Medicare, which should substantially reduce self-pay bad debt going forward. Councilor Hatch opposed charging for ambulance responses that do not result in transport (treat-no-transport). The council directed the committee to continue working with the assistant fire chief to optimize billing, but not to implement treat-no-transport billing.

• Inspectional Permits: Revenues have exceeded direct costs, but the committee cautioned that development-related spikes are not sustainable. Councilor Stacy insisted that fees be based on Salem's actual costs, not on what neighboring towns charge. Councilor Hatch questioned whether re-inspection costs are already included. The committee will further analyze the cost structure.

• Water and Sewer Rates: The water and sewer enterprise fund is operating at a deficit, with reserves below the town's 30% policy target. Councilor Hatch noted that a five-year rate‑increase plan has been underway to replenish reserves. The council expressed interest in implementing tiered (consumption-based) pricing to encourage conservation, though the current billing system cannot support it for 2–3 years. The committee will consider recommending an accelerated billing‑system upgrade and will present options to the council.

Town Manager’s Report

• Town Manager Keith Devine provided updates:
  • Election Reminder: November 3, 2026 is election day; polling locations include Barron School, Woodbury School, Fist School, and North Salem.
  • 2027 Budget: The first budget committee meeting was held; a follow-up with a public hearing is scheduled for November 19.
  • Tax Rate: MS1 paperwork has been submitted to the state; tax rate and bills are pending state approval.
  • New Planner: Casey Wolf Smith, formerly of Merrimack, has been hired as Planning Director.
  • Solid Waste RFP: Proposals were received on October 29; staff is reviewing.
  • Zoning Ordinance Rewrite: A vendor has been selected; contract finalization is in progress.
  • ERP System: The town is selecting a new enterprise resource planning system, funded by a $750,000 workforce housing grant. Implementation will be phased, with utility billing modules potentially prioritized to enable tiered water rates.
  • Bridge Street Bridge: Concrete deck was poured on October 22; targeted opening is December 4, 2026. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and a raffle for residents to be the first to drive across are planned.
  • Irma Road Roundabout: Construction is on track to open November 20, 2026; final landscaping will occur in spring 2027.
  • Lighting Upgrades: LED installations are underway at the water treatment plant and courthouse.
  • Hedgehog Park: The park will open year-round, with passes enforced only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Winterization and additional lighting are being completed. Councilor Stacy raised parking concerns related to school rentals; the lease allows 25 spaces for that purpose.
  • Parade: Councilor Stacy reminded members of the upcoming holiday parade (Sunday after Thanksgiving).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved as noted.
• Consent agenda and donation approved (8-0).
• Police grant approved (8-0).
• Finance Committee will continue its fee schedule analysis with the following direction:
  • Defer transfer‑station review to the existing study committee.
  • Continue ambulance billing optimization, but do not bill for treat-no-transport.
  • Analyze inspectional permit costs to set cost‑based fees.
  • Review water/sewer rates to work toward the 30% reserve policy and evaluate tiered pricing.
• Town Manager’s report noted ongoing projects and the expected opening of Bridge Street Bridge (Dec. 4) and Irma Road roundabout (Nov. 20).
• Meeting adjourned by consensus (8-0).