Jeanie Forrester: Meredith citizens to vote on Keno, social districts next year

On July 14, the Meredith Selectboard discussed a proposed department reorganization, warrant articles on a lottery-like gambling game and social districts, tax deeding and a proposed town event.

In February 2023, the selectboard commissioned an audit of the Community Development Department. The audit assessed the department based on statutory requirements and best practices, with a focus on regulatory compliance, operations, user experience and fairness of the process.

Recommendations included staffing changes and review of current policies, guidelines, procedures and application forms to ensure compliance with current statutory requirements. Zoning ordinances were also reviewed regarding unequal treatment of applicants and insufficient enforcement. Most recommendations in the audit have already begun, but staffing changes have not yet been addressed.

Based on a recent wage and classification study and other resource documents, the town manager suggested a new position be created and modifications made to current positions to more accurately reflect job responsibilities. Assuming the position is filled by Sept. 1, the increased cost can be absorbed in the current budget due to open positions throughout the year. The future annual projected cost of this reorganization would be approximately $110,000, offset by increased revenues through short-term rental and inspection fees, for a net annual cost of approximately $28,000.

Recently enacted House Bill 737 automatically allows communities to permit Keno, a lottery-like gambling game allowed in establishments that serve alcohol, unless residents vote against it before 2027. Previously, communities had to approve Keno in local establishments through a ballot vote (Meredith voted against this years ago). Proponents of Keno believe it helps fund education; opponents point to increased costs to communities due to gambling addiction. The selectboard agreed to put this question on the 2026 Town Warrant for voters to decide.

House Bill 467, also recently signed into law by the governor, allows “social districts,” giving adults the ability to purchase alcoholic drinks from bars and restaurants and enjoy them while walking through designated public zones.

Each town can set the hours of operation and mark the district’s boundaries with clear signage. Licensed establishments within the district may serve drinks, but limited to 16 fluid ounces and only consumed within the designated boundary. The New Hampshire Liquor Commission will keep an updated list of all municipalities which have approved social districts. New Hampshire will become the ninth state to legalize public alcohol consumption in designated areas. In New England, only Connecticut has adopted a similar policy. An article will be included in the 2026 Town Warrant allowing voters to decide for Meredith.

The town manager provided the selectboard with a list of 18 Meredith properties which could be considered for tax deeding. A tax deed is a legal document granting ownership of a property to the town if the owner fails to pay associated property taxes. With a tax deed, the town may sell the property to collect delinquent taxes, interest and other expenses connected with the property. The selectboard directed staff to make recommendations on how to proceed with the various properties.

Meredith Old Home Day is a fall event being proposed by a group of volunteers to promote community bonding and celebrate local heritage. The group presented their idea to the selectboard and asked for support to hold the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, on Main Street. The event will showcase local spirit and community creativity with a parade, an artisan exhibition, local vendor booths, family activities and local talent performances. The board unanimously supported the event. For more information and to get involved, visit MeredithOldHomeDay.com.

The next selectboard meeting is on Monday, July 28.

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Jeanie Forrester serves on the Meredith Selectboard.