[{"_1":2,"_102":-5,"_103":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,85,95],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6346609,"mediaKeyId","2246636-5f4d5e2b223b2c54fdd12abdf8b7c77e","parentId",2246636,"title","Milford library trustees seek lower‑level ADA restrooms; assembly amends article to specify two fixtures","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",845000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246636-5f4d5e2b223b2c54fdd12abdf8b7c77e&start=845&end=845","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246636-5f4d5e2b223b2c54fdd12abdf8b7c77e/thumbnail_845000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6346609/New-Hampshire/Milford-library-trustees-seek-lowerlevel-ADA-restrooms-assembly-amends-article-to-specify-two-fixtures","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346609-f263cd5c52ed587fa0e462c2975b6207/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154316&Signature=oghonkVWpYdV8-QA6DT2EyqHhGujCxcLJQ-gnhzS5u4SLtf8w0jn2W~9fWgqDdSxYuq6eB09ywww-3gC0K4am9rr1Uc60NLHf~8ynI9y4mvCq~55D-ozwauPHjOxqK8uEHP35e0nG2XEIW4PZkIQpUKiLuRIul12e8occuUHAdXo9L3n3JU7N6AlaDRe0kKSsDMVsAYaYYvKSgah4tGj1WbQtxYQ-GXMl3KIBN1qL7bluOSJGv5R4Fx0j6RZ28ibifR1feCjFS7JQOFkjXJ941H6~olFQbQL-tliVHJnbCn8oMpkq46giWr34fNtmNvWsp31mATQaRinjDYETAGAMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Milford NH","date","2025-02-01T00:00:00Z","article","The Wadley Memorial Library trustees proposed a $250,000 bond to add lower‑level restrooms that trustees and the budget advisory committee said would improve accessibility and allow broader public use of the renovated meeting room.

Why it matters: The lower level has seen increased public use after renovations to the New Hampshire room. Currently, restrooms are only on the main floor; adding facilities downstairs would improve accessibility, offer better service for meetings and enable after‑hours use of the meeting space.

Presentation: Library trustees described the plan in detail, saying the full project cost is $250,000 with $25,000 expected from the library’s maintenance and upkeep capital reserve. The trustees emphasized accessibility, noting that “these new restrooms will be fully ADA compliant” and that the current restrooms were built before the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Amendment debated and adopted: During public comment a resident raised a question about the number of fixtures; trustee presenters confirmed the plan includes two new restrooms on the lower level. The assembly voted to amend the article text to replace the word “new” with “two” in two places for clarity. The moderator then instructed the clerk to place Article 3 on the ballot as amended.

Budget advisory committee: The BAC supported the article 9–0 and recommended the appropriation, noting the addition would enhance library use and allow the town to rent the meeting room without staffing main floor hours.

Outcome: Amended language will appear on the ballot. Trustees and staff said the work is intended to improve safety and accessibility for patrons and add functionality to the new lower‑level meeting space.

Quote
- Lynn Coakley, treasurer, library board of trustees: “These new restrooms will be fully ADA compliant.”","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Milford NH Town Deliberative - February 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees asked voters to approve a $250,000 bond to add lower‑level restrooms at Wadley Memorial Library; during the deliberation the assembly amended the article to specify 'two restrooms' and instructed the clerk to publish the article as amended.","taxTitle","Milford Boards & Committees of Selectmen, Milford, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire","taxId",76030,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":42,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6346614,"Milford debate on fire staffing centers on volunteer decline and a motion to clarify six‑month funding",4745000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246636-5f4d5e2b223b2c54fdd12abdf8b7c77e&start=4745&end=4745","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246636-5f4d5e2b223b2c54fdd12abdf8b7c77e/thumbnail_4745000.jpg","/articles/6346614/New-Hampshire/Milford-debate-on-fire-staffing-centers-on-volunteer-decline-and-a-motion-to-clarify-sixmonth-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346614-22e9595c14c10ebf0f9c807d32ed73b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154316&Signature=YBDSQDmYrpk7aizlMN3M-jrsQbW3OhwrZADDkmAiIUOboS67-UChpKZ83zXOhivgCQubll4xwghmRkfUsKAEpb581Aa0j8GdUwkevdwMKLMwDYzVbPS58jNup4g1NNMMMifOiwAvBJ95F2wX6D15UrSarZUVflvMYVmi-H2XdQ1fMTzN9X42VGUvUKgrRJGVE2QSi~TVZtFDkUuuXLncb7GUHOupyHV8W~9a7~wBirARqzyVPAonrJUWlDJ~q3saWoYVOmifarZ-Ky~5qwVcHTz-WmZvjtOFHFQECLJ4OaJULf4dOffmxDZn25nQbzygKFrFMbSwM1ThSQzF7bJ2Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents, selectmen and fire officials spent one of the meeting’s most extended blocks on an article that would fund three full‑time firefighter positions for six months — a proposal intended as a step toward 24‑hour full‑time coverage.

Why it matters: The fire department’s staffing model affects response times for fires and medical calls. Meeting presenters said volunteer ranks have fallen sharply over recent years and that the town’s call volume has risen.

What presenters said: Selectman Brendan Philbrook read the majority report supporting the article and described changes in call volume and volunteer availability. Deputy Chief Jeff Marshall told the assembly bluntly: “This is a staffing problem.” He urged voters to consider how the department’s volunteer complement has declined and how that affects service consistency.

Budget advisory committee and minority views: The BAC supported the article with a 7‑support, 2‑abstain vote (committee members who abstained cited need for more information). Selectman Chris Labonte read the minority view opposing the article’s current form, warning that moving to 24‑hour shifts could risk losing volunteer members and lead to a large recurring annual budget increase.

Amendment and accounting: Selectman Tim Feynon moved to add explicit wording clarifying the six‑month appropriation covers wages, benefits and other costs associated with “enabling this new staffing model.” The assembly adopted that amendment and accepted an inserted sentence that records an approximate full‑year cost of about $555,399 as the expected annual impact in future years. The moderator then instructed the clerk to publish the article on the ballot with the adopted amendment.

Reasons cited for the step: Fire presenters documented a fall from 48 volunteers in earlier years to about 17 at the time of the meeting and a rise in incidents (673 in 2014 to 851 in 2024). Chris Pank (reading part of the BAC’s report) offered a personal anecdote on medical response, saying, in describing a past delay: “If it had been a major heart attack, I wouldn't be here right now.”

Key implementation questions raised: Residents and some board members asked whether the article’s $277,195 six‑month figure would also cover overtime, training and related start‑up costs and whether the town should first use short‑term grants to trial full‑time coverage. The minority urged caution about adding permanent recurring expenditure without a multi‑year plan.

Outcome: The amendment clarifying scope (wages/benefits/other costs) passed and the clerk was directed to place the amended article on the ballot. The ultimate decision on whether to adopt full‑time staffing will be made by voters on election day.

Quotes
- Deputy Chief Jeff Marshall: “This is a staffing problem.”
- Chris Pank (budget advisory committee, speaking as part of the majority BAC report): “If it had been a major heart attack, I wouldn't be here right now.”","The assembly amended a petitioned article to clarify that a six‑month appropriation for hiring three full‑time firefighters covers wages, benefits and other costs and noted an estimated full‑year cost. The debate highlighted a steep drop in volunteer numbers and concerns about nighttime response times.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":42,"_43":88,"_45":88,"_46":89,"_48":90,"_50":91,"_52":92,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":93,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":94,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6346619,"Milford selectmen back 2025 operating budget as debate centers on wage, benefit and road spending",2057000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2246636-5f4d5e2b223b2c54fdd12abdf8b7c77e&start=2057&end=2057","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2246636-5f4d5e2b223b2c54fdd12abdf8b7c77e/thumbnail_2057000.jpg","/articles/6346619/New-Hampshire/Milford-selectmen-back-2025-operating-budget-as-debate-centers-on-wage-benefit-and-road-spending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346619-bc9569e008f8022dd302292fa2a86251/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154316&Signature=TwupY7VCU6vyMk0bm3kawSV3a7BFWzQ8GVYJE46VzsSnNKDUYd8Hc9xdtXbCo7oR17p5yghkgGJqvYQ2V7ZLVWJKI-N9n9UnZTVhRcYcAh8j6mfaiuT8DWRwqrKfcTqTlCWVWyzImEKg6uR~mseclmyQ5Ko~aM~kOMiL6hBgvVikqFMiYgTeaMfQA78LqgpjyXpLm7FIMAJ2WFq0Aslhiagyy5tPFAG76vDDlizmOOj-A1ll7Cc8qog~X-beYkaNbYi7JHHFhx-Xz-6ZCU4CyPOw3xXOIMX6RWXiy0j3iKieQmpQnNifXw-imIoCMcUBBjceR4RqCUGl8NDnlej1Sg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milford selectmen presented a proposed 2025 municipal operating budget of $19,300,099 at the town’s deliberative session, and the assembly voted to place the article on the March ballot as originally written after extended discussion.

Why it matters: The operating budget is the central spending measure for town services. The proposed budget would increase the municipal tax commitment and shapes pay, benefits and infrastructure spending across departments.

What selectmen and staff said: Select Board Chair Tim Feynon opened the majority statement, saying the proposed operating budget “represents a 5.69% increase over the 2024 budget.” Town Administrator Lincoln Daley reviewed drivers in detail, attributing most of the increase to employee wages and benefits and additional funding for roadway maintenance.

Town Administrator Lincoln Daley noted the top drivers: “First and foremost is valuing our employees,” and then cited increased health insurance and retirement costs, a $200,000 increase for roadway maintenance and other operational pressures. Daley provided the fiscal summary, including a proposed tax impact if all warrant articles pass.

Dissent and public questions: Selectman Chris Labonte read a minority view opposing the budget’s transparency, arguing that the town used 2024 surplus funds this year to purchase items that Labonte said should have been budgeted and returned to taxpayers. Labonte said the approach reduces visible year‑to‑year increases that voters see: “Year after year, surplus money is used to reduce the following year’s budget…This approach leads taxpayers to believe we’re spending less on the 2025 priorities than we really are.”

Members of the public asked for clarity on revenue and “drivers” displayed in slides. Resident Catherine Coco encouraged clearer presentation of what the town lists as budget drivers — in particular how to compare a system‑wide line like MACBase against specific departmental line‑item changes.

Budget advisory committee: The BAC supported the article 9–0 and recommended the proposed budget in its majority report. The committee described the municipal portion as “carefully planned” and cited the main drivers as wages, health insurance and road repairs.

Outcome: After discussion the moderator instructed the town clerk to place Article 4 (the operating budget) on the ballot as originally worded. The town’s default budget figure — the amount that would take effect if voters reject the article — was presented as $18,729,307.

What to watch: Voters will see the selectmen’s majority and minority reports and the BAC recommendation in the official voter guide ahead of the March election. The town administration said it will publish the budget presentation slides and figures on the town website for public review.

Quotes
- Town Administrator Lincoln Daley: “The proposed 2025 budget is $19,300,099. This is an increase of $1,038,004.19 or 5.69% from the 2024 budget.”
- Selectman Chris Labonte (minority): “I do not feel that the proposed budget is fully inclusive and transparent. Year after year, surplus money is used to reduce the following year’s budget.”","The Board of Selectmen and Budget Advisory Committee backed a proposed $19.3 million town operating budget that would raise spending 5.69% over 2024; selectmen and residents debated use of surplus funds, budgeting transparency and the drivers behind the increase.",{"_33":96,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":97,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":98,"_52":99,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":100,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":101,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6346623,"Milford deliberative session places 20 warrant articles on March ballot; several articles amended","/articles/6346623/New-Hampshire/Milford-deliberative-session-places-20-warrant-articles-on-March-ballot-several-articles-amended","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6346623-2a366720f30dcb360aa36cc65726554c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154316&Signature=D9aFhBCELZgD0yK2i-8AwmqMiWMsk7NnIxkONOcoOIfne9OYMoyvvMSLO2HRGXF~nIX1kyR8svFgrxk3bcmE77OfCmmo0qTN~ehkIlUFI1dtPiPxRDqIlAwEOKpUdV1nsjeAguVL1Z~jDIja8i8TwlnSrtnClV-A9b5Pqi1IHvk-23rbg7~L4rXZKCvEO~anKn7zK1JDLABJEbPmgBkn7nHfQD-Xr6M4L0AmqwP9D1qHiqf5in-MMgUX8nI7SmDy6EHLqvG22VzoN1SqtMdKTQgh9-Oyk1~RWU2jEgtTrdB6IdPlKzpyUmaJu7nVny7RDyfj6Q5vtDi1EDH-IhJKMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milford’s 2025 deliberative session ended after the assembly debated and finalized language for a slate of warrant articles that will appear on the March ballot. The Board of Selectmen directed the town clerk to place each article on the ballot; most were included as originally written, and several drew amendments during discussion.

Why it matters: The articles include the town operating budget and numerous department and capital requests that together shape the town’s services and tax impact for the year ahead. Voters will decide the final appropriations and policy measures at the March election.

What happened: Select Board members, town staff, the budget advisory committee and residents reviewed and debated 20 warrant articles. The moderator explained the two‑step process (deliberative session followed by the town election). The meeting advanced each article to the ballot; where the assembly adopted amendments, the clerk was instructed to publish the amended language.

Votes at a glance (actions taken at the deliberative session)
- Article 3 — Wadley Memorial Library lower‑level restrooms ($250,000 bond): Amended during the meeting to change the wording “new restrooms” to specify “2 restrooms.” Motion to amend passed; article placed on ballot as amended.
- Article 4 — Town operating budget ($19,300,099 proposed): Presented and debated; selectmen and budget committee statements entered into the record; article was placed on the ballot as originally worded.
- Article 5 — Wastewater operating budget ($2,856,974): Placed on ballot as originally worded.
- Article 6 — Water operating budget ($2,429,662): Placed on ballot as originally worded.
- Article 7 — Milford Swing Bridge rehabilitation ($634,070): Placed on ballot as originally worded; presenters said state would fund $507,256 with a town match of $126,814.
- Article 8 — DPW 58,000‑GVW dump truck lease purchase ($352,260 authorization; $70,452 first‑year payment): Placed on ballot as originally worded.
- Article 9 — Town roads reconstruction ($300,000): Placed on ballot as originally worded after discussion about prioritized streets and coordination with underground work.
- Article 10 — Fire department: six‑month funding for new full‑time firefighters ($277,195 appropriation for 6 months): The assembly amended the article’s language to clarify the appropriation “is for 6 months and includes wages, benefits, and other costs associated with enabling this new staffing model,” and recorded an approximate annual full‑year cost ($555,399) in the new sentence. The amendment passed; article placed on ballot as amended.
- Article 11 — Ambulance replacement revolving fund (RSA 31:95‑h): Placed on ballot as originally worded; discussion focused on whether to move ambulance transport revenue into a revolving fund versus the existing capital reserve account and the legal authority for expenditure (selectmen as governing body under RSA 31:95‑h).
- Article 12 — McLean and Goldman dams alternatives feasibility study (CWSRF loan with partial forgiveness): Placed on ballot as originally worded; the meeting included discussion of the study’s scope, state loan/forgiveness mechanics, and concerns about downstream implications and historical value.
- Article 13 — Keys Park expansion capital reserve (add $60,000): Placed on ballot as originally worded; the Select Board and petitioners discussed whether tennis‑court repairs and pool repairs should be funded from the same account.
- Article 22 — Keys Pool repairs (petition, $89,000): Petition language was simplified during the meeting to read as a maintenance and safety appropriation; amended wording passed and the article was placed on the ballot as amended.
- Article 23 — Petition to support repair/resurfacing of the Malcolm Ellingwood Rotch tennis courts: Petition language was amended on the floor to an advisory statement encouraging cooperation between town and school; the amendment passed. (Because the petitioner indicated support for Article 13’s capital reserve solution, the petitionary language was revised to be advisory.)
- Articles 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 (social services; police comms equipment; non‑emergency transportation; I.T. infrastructure capital reserve; conservation land fund; veterans and Labor Day parades; summer band concerts; Labor Day parade): All were included on the ballot as originally worded after brief presentations and budget committee remarks.

How the meeting handled changes: Where amendments were adopted at the deliberative session (notably articles 3, 10, 22 and 23), the moderator instructed the clerk to publish the amended language for the ballot. Several items drew extended public comment (roads, fire staffing, ambulance funding, dams) but the assembly deferred final appropriation decisions to the voters on March’s ballot.

What remains next: Voters will decide each warrant article on Election Day (March 11 was referenced as the polling date). The deliberative session recorded the selectmen’s majority and minority positions and the budget advisory committee recommendations, which will appear in the voter guide.","At the Milford 2025 deliberative session, the Board of Selectmen placed 20 warrant articles on the March ballot. Most articles were placed “as originally worded”; a handful were amended during debate, including the library restroom bond and the fire‑department staffing article.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Milford library trustees seek lower‑level ADA restrooms; assembly amends article to specify two fixtures

Milford debate on fire staffing centers on volunteer decline and a motion to clarify six‑month funding

Milford selectmen back 2025 operating budget as debate centers on wage, benefit and road spending

Milford deliberative session places 20 warrant articles on March ballot; several articles amended