11/20/2023 SB Minutes

Bethlehem Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

November 20th, 2023

In person –Chairman Morris, Selectman Strand, Selectman Hibberd, and Selectman Bruno.

Tax Rate Setting- Chairman Morris opened the meeting and explained the board would only be setting the tax rate.  The board discussed using money from the general fund to offset the tax rate noting last year $400,000 was used.  Chairman Morris recommended considering using some of the general fund to pay the balance of the new fire truck.  Chris McGrath asked the board to take into consideration that the town can either reduce the operating budget or grow business to reduce the tax rate.  Allegra Wright explained her concern about the tax rate and the affordability of Bethlehem for residents.  Selectman Bruno commented that residents should not only consider the municipal budget but also the school budget.  The board agreed to use $600,000 from the general fund to offset the tax rate.

Chairman Morris motions to use $600,000 from the unassigned fund balance to offset the tax rate for a total tax rate of $15.43 and $15.91 including Village.  Selectman Hibberd seconded and all were in favor.

Non-public Session per RSA 91A-3 II (personnel, reputation, and legal) Chairman Morris made a motion to go into non-public for reasons of personnel. Selectman Strand seconded and roll call followed.

The board discussed personnel.

Chairman Morris made a motion to terminate an employee for failure to provide accurate information on his application.  Selectman Strand seconded and the vote carried 3-0.

Chairman Morris made a motion to adjourn at 7:00. Selectman Strand seconded, and all were in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Moritz

Town Administrator