Belmont Selectboard to discuss warrant articles about cemetery trustees, veterans exemptions Wednesday

BELMONT — Several warrant articles are up for discussion at the upcoming selectboard meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

As the year ends, town leaders will discuss the town’s 2025 encumbrances, or claims against properties. It’s normal procedure to discuss items due to the effect they have on property valuations and the tax rate.

Additionally, selectboard member Sharon Ciampi will relay requests related to warrant article considerations, including increasing the number of cemetery trustees from three to five and increasing the value of veteran exemptions.

The cemetery trustees have lots of projects in the works and could use more than just their two alternates to get them accomplished, Ciampi said.

Recently, cemetery trustees conducted a Wreaths Across America ceremony with members of American Legion Post 58. Coming down the pike, the trustees would like to clean up an abandoned cemetery. 

"We have an abandoned cemetery out in the woods that we just got ownership of. We’re hoping to go forward and do some cleanup and get it mapped and marked," Ciampi said, "so that we can create a space and make it a historic [site], like we have with our other cemeteries."

It's Ciampi's hope that instead of putting forward a petition, the selectboard will consider the request for a warrant article.

Old business items include a warrant article related to a new fire department truck, and a 2026 budget increase related to the library. The library director position is still vacant after the recent news of Eileen Gilbert’s resignation. Applications for the position are currently being accepted. Interested applicants should be highly-organized, community-focused book lovers. A master’s of library science is preferred, as well as experience as a manager. To see the job description, visit belmontnh.gov.

Tasha John, vice chair of the Belmont Public Library Board of Trustees, is accepting applicants via email at trusteetasha25@gmail.com.

And, Town Administrator Alicia Jipson is promoting another pet supply giveaway for those in need. Residents can visit Belmont Mill for items donated from the New Hampshire Humane Society and Chewy.com, including food, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17; from 7:30 to 9 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 18; and from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.