Laconia mayor appointed interim chair of Belknap County Delegation

LACONIA — Members of the Belknap County Delegation Executive Committee approved County Treasurer Michael Muzzey’s request to borrow up to $16 million in 2026 to fund the county government’s operations during a meeting on Friday afternoon.

The county typically borrows an amount close to what it expects to spend each year ahead of receiving property taxes from its municipalities, which are due in December. Until those tax revenues are received, the county operates by borrowing monies, typically twice each year. 

This year, Muzzey told executive committee members he’d likely seek to borrow twice. The first amount between $8.5 million and $9 million, and the remainder deemed necessary on the second round. 

The executive committee includes state Reps. Harry Bean (R-Gilford, chair), Steven Bogert (R-Laconia), Mike Bordes (R-Laconia, vice chair), Juliet Harvey-Bolia (R-Tilton) and Charlie St. Clair (D-Laconia). On Friday, Bogert, Bordes and St. Clair were present, and approved Muzzey’s request unanimously. 

Muzzey said Friday was his 20th time requesting a tax anticipation note as county treasurer, and he would not seek election to the seat again. 

Tax anticipation notes are paid and satisfied when the county takes in its tax revenue at the end of the year. 

Also during the meeting, executive committee members unanimously approved the appointment of Bordes — who also serves as mayor of Laconia — as acting chair of the Belknap County Delegation, in Bean's absence, to ensure continuance of government.

Bean is expected to remain absent for an indeterminate period of time while receiving medical treatment.

The motion as approved included three stipulations. Bordes will remain acting chair of the delegation until: Bean returns; the next meeting of the full delegation is held; or after the next election when a new county delegation is formed.  

County Administrator Carina Park said the next meeting of the delegation — made up of Belknap's representatives to the Statehouse — would likely occur in the summer, for the purposes of reviewing budget items.