This article is Part 5 of a six-part Town Hall Times series reviewing the warrant articles appearing on the March 10, 2026, ballot. In this installment, we outline Warrant Articles 12 through 14, covering the proposed OPEB Trust Fund appropriation, the Town Facility Maintenance & Improvement Capital Reserve Fund, and the Anniversary Celebration Trust.
Article 12: Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund
Article 12 asks voters to consider raising and appropriating $50,000 to be placed in the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund, previously established in accordance with New Hampshire RSA Chapter 31:19-c. The purpose of this fund is to help pay for other post-employment benefits for eligible employees and their beneficiaries after separation from service, as provided by law, as well as related administrative expenses. Of the proposed amount, $45,000 would come from unassigned fund balance and $5,000 would come from the Water Fund.
This article provides funding for post-employment benefits other than those covered through the New Hampshire Retirement System. Credit rating agencies and the Town’s auditors recommend appropriating funds to an OPEB trust to help address long-term obligations. Funds placed in the trust may only be used as permitted under RSA Chapter 31:19-c. The account is interest-bearing, and any earnings may be applied toward future costs.
Originator: Town Council
Funding Source: Unassigned Fund Balance and Water Fund
Rate Impact: $0.00
Recommendations:
- Town Council: With
- Budget Committee: With
Article 13: Town Facility Maintenance & Improvement Capital Reserve Fund
Article 13 asks voters to consider raising and appropriating $50,000 to be placed in the Town Facility Maintenance and Improvement Capital Reserve Fund, originally established in 2021. The purpose of this fund is to support future repairs, improvements, and/or replacement needs for municipal facilities. The proposed $50,000 appropriation would come from unassigned fund balance.
This article provides funding for a capital reserve fund intended to address unanticipated building repairs that may arise during the year, such as HVAC system failures or roof repairs. The fund may also be used for capital improvements to Town buildings and as a funding source for the construction of new municipal facilities. The fund is not intended to be used for land acquisition.
Originator: Town Council
Funding Source: Unassigned Fund Balance
Rate Impact: $0.00
Recommendations:
- Town Council: With
- Budget Committee: With
Article 14: Anniversary Celebration Trust
Article 14 asks voters to consider raising and appropriating $28,753 to be placed in the Anniversary Celebration Trust, originally established in 2005. The purpose of this article is to authorize the transfer of revenue associated with the Town’s 275th Anniversary Celebration from the Recreation Revolving Fund into the existing Anniversary Celebration Trust. The full amount of $28,753 represents unexpended funds raised through sponsorships from community groups and local businesses during the 275th celebration.
Originator: Town Council
Funding Source: Recreation Revolving Fund
Rate Impact: $0.00
Recommendations:
- Town Council: With
- Budget Committee: With
We encourage residents to take a moment to review Articles 12–14 in the full Voter’s Guide before heading to the polls. Residents seeking additional election information, including polling locations and hours, are encouraged to visit the Town’s Election Information page.
Part 6 of 6 will provide an overview of Warrant Articles 15 through 18, the petitioned articles appearing on the March 10 ballot.