Jeanie Forrester: Meredith Selectboard expects $200K increased revenue in 2026 budget, due to higher water, sewer rates

The Nov. 24, Meredith Selectboard meeting included public hearings on commercial boat fees, water and sewer rates, and 2026 budget revenues for the town.

The police chief presented a proposal to establish a new boat launch fee of $1,500 per season for commercial use of launch ramps, which currently have a fee. The chief, town manager, and department heads felt this fee was appropriate considering wear and tear on the structures from frequent use by commercial boat companies. An application process will be developed to define what constitutes a commercial boat company responsible for obtaining a permit and paying the associated fee. After hearing remarks from the public, the chief was asked to reevaluate the proposed fee taking into consideration the comments from the public and the selectboard.

The Water and Sewer Department recently completed asset management plans and rate studies — see meredithnh.gov/335/Studies for more information. The public hearing provided an opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposed rate increases.

As previously outlined by the water and sewer superintendent, for more than a decade, rates have remained flat by delaying non-urgent projects, repairs, and efficiency improvements. Unfortunately, operating expenses continue to increase and much of our water and sewer infrastructure is operating beyond its intended lifespan requiring repair and replacement, preferably before failure, to avoid far more costly emergency repairs and disruption of service.

In addition, increased rates will provide reserve funds for future large infrastructure projects including Route 25 water and sewer lines, treatment plant filter and building upgrades, and 1,500 feet of sewer repairs/replacement on Pleasant Street. Also recently discovered was the deteriorated condition of the sewer force main running through the town docks parking lot, and four inoperable sewer bypass valves at the intersection of Routes 25 and 3. This adds a fourth, large project to our ever-growing list of necessary infrastructure projects and supports the urgency for these rate increases.

The quarterly water rate is recommended to increase from $5.22 per 100 cubic feet, to $5.65 per 100 cubic feet; the sewer disposal charge is recommended to increase from $5.86 to $6.39 per 100 metered cubic feet; and the non-metered sewer rate to increase from $137.48 to $222.14 effective Jan. 1. Similar increases will be requested in future years but can only be approved annually. The board approved the increases.

The town manager presented additional information to the board as requested from the Nov. 18, budget workshop: the budget expense for Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid at $116,287.39, and confirmation that Fire Department CIP projects in the 2026 budget include turnout gear and funds for a new Engine 1.

The board also asked for information on staffing increases. The fire chief requested the part-time office clerk be increased to full-time at an additional expense of $48,000, and adjusting the fire chief’s grade from 20 to 22, which would increase his salary from $123,385 to $136,219. These items were not included in the 2026 budget. The town manager requested adjusting the human resource director’s salary from $85,737 to $107,099, with additional responsibilities and a title change to deputy town manager and adding an administrative assistant with wages of $65,375. These items have not yet been approved.

The town manager advised the board that 2026 revenue will be $7.4 million, an increase of $207,528 over 2025 (includes the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds). Discussion of the final budget will happen at the Dec. 8 and 22 meetings.

The next meeting of the Meredith Selectboard is on Monday, Dec. 8.

•••

Jeanie Forrester serves on the Meredith Selectboard.