[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6300192,"mediaKeyId","2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f","parentId",2493540,"title","Budget, EMS funding, Grange and TIF proposals highlighted ahead of Swansea town vote","audioSeconds",914,"startMs",4486000,"endMs",5400000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f&start=4486&end=5400","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f/thumbnail_4486000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6300192/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Budget-EMS-funding-Grange-and-TIF-proposals-highlighted-ahead-of-Swansea-town-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300192-1258f0b605e1d47569d778fd8e18ccb3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172357&Signature=NDaqVyFMm~BCF-jkpn2O~f3Ht-vQq0UHfvk06cxZrgUGOpG-z-d7JyY3sftz23s5yc7cghJXPYZskPxPsZFjSNkvRVoXMx7ysk1L~wE0fydyHDfSbjDYMspYvQGFIQWbXc5AUFmYzOtzvXtDMvSS6DxSDUgI~mL6HZ8d9e6CHG7Epn3wOmkSyVwyfsDJYASCR2L5OdF6XyuxPtXH7YGRsQX1AuCcQ8tJUsWYQusPj99qwl4Z6VmR~7deNpWib2Nbs4hoQxTMYrJihBjGyozkoAC0I~h4D-w2TAEMqIbqEk9Z7xUWqCFLqLk6Lp7IK6UrvWKhiOUpWftLSbzR9w3m~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of West Swanzey NH","date","2025-03-04T22:34:39Z","article","Candidates and town officials reviewed key warrant articles March 4, summarizing the operating budget, capital requests, and several petition articles ahead of the town ballot.

Budget: Presenters said the town’s default budget number is $7,935,699 and the deliberative session approved an actual operating budget near $8,000,370. Multiple speakers said the select board reduced initial requested increases to about a 5% rise and that budget holders trimmed requests; candidates said they would scrutinize department budgets if elected.

Capital and Grange Hall: The capital budget contains multiple items — a deferred fire engine purchase was moved out to reduce near‑term spending while the fire station warrant is active, and the selectmen’s capital list included DPW facility needs, road rehab and trail funds. Discussion of the Grange Hall noted $115,000 already spent on roof and electrical work and an earlier $1.2 million restoration estimate; speakers urged more fundraising and a phased approach rather than a large one‑time tax request.

EMS: Article 13 would put $100,000 into an expendable trust for EMS contracting. Presenters said the town’s recent multi‑year arrangement kept annual costs relatively low (approximately $80,000 in 2025), but that upcoming contracts could cost significantly more — speakers referenced figures “up to $300,000” annually or other estimates near $330,000 — and urged voters to set aside funds to reduce future tax shocks.

TIF and commercial incentives: A proposed tax increment financing (TIF) district for the Route 10 corridor was discussed as a mechanism to capture incremental tax revenue from new development to finance infrastructure improvements (for example, water). Speakers noted that the TIF is distinct from a commercial/industrial tax exemption (Article 14) and that a parcel cannot be in both incentive programs simultaneously.

Polling places and petitions: A citizen petition sought authorization and funding to add a second polling location (Whitcomb Hall) and to pay for an additional voting machine and related costs; selectmen said they did not recommend the petition, citing volunteer staffing, logistics and a need to study costs further. Speakers also noted voter‑registration documentation requirements at the checklists and urged residents to bring required ID or citizenship proof when registering.

No formal votes were taken at the forum; the forum served to explain warrant articles and surface voter questions before the ballot.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Swanzey Select Board: March 4th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a March 4 forum candidates and officials reviewed the operating budget (approx. 5% increase from default), an EMS expendable trust, capital items including the Grange and DPW needs, a tax increment financing district for Route 10, and a citizen petition to add a second polling place.","taxTitle","West Swanzey, Cheshire County, New Hampshire","taxId",75717,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300197,"Planning board backs housekeeping zoning changes but not three wetlands amendments; conservation commission raises property‑rights concerns",138,3040000,3178000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f&start=3040&end=3178","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f/thumbnail_3040000.jpg","/articles/6300197/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Planning-board-backs-housekeeping-zoning-changes-but-not-three-wetlands-amendments-conservation-commission-raises-propertyrights-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300197-5131ca814918d0ff9cebaa02508df52e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172357&Signature=VGL7XJeEbcuUBpxeE7DYFYe-bdjCazMIzrb2gT5MMjQ-cumWhe9i1YxvPqZ~NhSvq3HRoilmUb36HaEEkAtx7ljmEL~3U324amMLNkQ9dzMxs5R4xeatgRP9DYziiBLGuxAHqjM5y~i9SOo3ZiNqJOqhVn4~ZeDJFxKHCu~G-xDQlbpDmRhwsGpbaac3ZtJZJ0qPOZvG7tl3HksvPFHVRaZDo2-GiU4SqHjZ9VEhtmq8mtZe9Zv6MwhTjlleP5GQyItcuqlTYdp--f~3nG-377oSJSlJI9IlaIAOEn7jMQ-i0AonU0-I1G~SzNsFnu0f--vwZQd8h8VIkaWJ-EfF3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The planning board and several candidates at the forum March 4 described a package of zoning warrant articles on the ballot: Articles 1–7 were characterized as housekeeping changes to standardize permitted‑use language across zones, while Articles 8–10 — addressing wetlands, conservation‑area uses and exceptions — prompted extended discussion and disagreement.

Planning board members said the housekeeping amendments (Articles 1–7) consolidate wording about allowable uses so similar activities are described the same way in multiple zones. Several planning board members told the forum they approved those technical edits.

By contrast, multiple speakers — including a planning board member and Sherry Domino, chair of the Conservation Commission (quoted by a speaker referencing a public post) — said Articles 8–10 require more development. Opponents at the forum described the wetlands items as potentially encumbering private property rights, and some argued the proposals could require variances or be better handled via existing conditional‑use/variance processes at the planning or zoning boards. One planning board member said that, under current practice, crossing wetlands is often handled as a conditional use at the planning board rather than by a variance, allowing the town to impose conditions to protect conservation resources while preserving property access.

Speakers warned that a separate change affecting lots along Base Hill Road could amount to spot zoning by excluding a small number of properties from a district and restricting expansion for existing businesses; several participants said that could prompt legal challenges. Planning board members urged voters to read the Conservation Commission’s public post and the planning board’s materials before voting on the more substantive amendments.

No official vote was taken at the forum; the articles are on the warrant for town meeting consideration.","Candidates and planning board members said Articles 1–7 are housekeeping language updates, while Articles 8–10 (wetlands exceptions and conservation‑area uses) drew opposition from some planning and conservation members who called them underdeveloped and potentially a taking of private property.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300202,"Warrant would authorize purchase, upgrades to West Swansea water system; backers cite 40% forgivable funding and hydrant needs",222,3820000,4042000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f&start=3820&end=4042","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f/thumbnail_3820000.jpg","/articles/6300202/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Warrant-would-authorize-purchase-upgrades-to-West-Swansea-water-system-backers-cite-40-forgivable-funding-and-hydrant-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300202-3fa2496d6a11f716fab2f6a596680df2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172357&Signature=HgQxqaCy3AmyPB4KATcD3qQB2XJG~IOhGryincnJUc3ULIgQL5cDLzNJZr3rPh6hbY9QkuuSDLutRWxcFDWFF6BsqGcWalvnH70F3oKpFB-89iQ-DNT0-u9Vd2i~KDL2i9MKLF9pA3kY2cmi2TyP0JEIWwSwGctCXM6SzUuM23R~jkFbNqR7z-JbgZYPWYyLuaoDFLhtXIt~~InBhVm0PHbGeW6kzFkrkr87KncYDV~EgMwseM9WBBcjDSxx~3onu6uS8APcobzA7LK6EbSkNjDjwKft79kFwsIifnhJOsmpe8HxFgzXSZlzpM86gBr5BDM0QOsWPHEjV5Nr672Dkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A warrant article asking voters to authorize up to $6.4 million to purchase and upgrade the West Swansea Water Company system drew sustained discussion March 4, with proponents arguing the purchase is necessary to support fire protection, to add hydrants and to enable commercial and multifamily development along Route 10.

Speakers at the forum described the system’s condition and capacity: existing wells reportedly produce 350 gallons per minute (gpm) for each of two older pumps, and a larger third well — not yet commissioned by the state — was described as capable of about 750 gpm. Presenters said the system currently has limited storage (a 5,000‑gallon tank) that constrains the number of allowed hookups under state rules and recommended larger storage and pump‑house upgrades to expand service.

Engineers’ preliminary estimates cited during the presentation put total purchase and upgrade costs in the neighborhood of $6 million. Presenters noted the town could receive a forgivable financing program that would forgive about 40% of eligible costs, reducing the town’s net borrowing need; they emphasized that the loan forgiveness window is time‑limited and argued voters should act this year to preserve that funding opportunity.

Town officials and committee members said ratepayers on the West Swansea system — not the general taxpayer base outside the system — would bear ongoing system maintenance costs and likely face higher user rates after upgrades; presenters said customers on other town water systems would not be required to pay for the West Swansea upgrades. Supporters also noted in‑town development rules and commercial interest on Route 10 often require reliable municipal water supply and fire flow for new buildings, which could attract businesses that do not need school or other services from the town.

Opponents and some committee members raised questions about actual costs and whether all elements of the plan were fully scoped; several speakers urged voters to review the engineering report and specifics about which lots and hydrants would be served before voting. No formal purchase action occurred at the forum; the article is on the warrant for voter consideration.","Supporters told voters the town should buy and upgrade the West Swansea Water Company system to provide reliable water for fire protection and to enable commercial development along Route 10; engineers estimated up to $6 million for purchase and upgrades and supporters cited a 40% forgivable loan program.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300206,"Swansea committee urges voters to approve $3.5M warrant for new fire station; bond plan seeks 60% approval",203,3343000,3546000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f&start=3343&end=3546","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f/thumbnail_3343000.jpg","/articles/6300206/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Swansea-committee-urges-voters-to-approve-35M-warrant-for-new-fire-station-bond-plan-seeks-60-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300206-806eec9d545d109bd0d9badcbe645422/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172357&Signature=XqOWsmg8WyEXoACilh~A9SI6evC~RoH3~QI7bYxsw669nYzBNHI42A~4e-WrjuvV8JO8-VBNJ1a1OImRI-2lGAueCNhj21~E~TymBaJHuGSNxMCerY33tcG8gN4y0d8IW5knCg~hv2mYxMZBjnvytvUXWsp3yUM1fiL6962zStuWj88OpnSeZGzaOWyQ-uBt34LhggusFTbYawVrw8AkP7X7-W8kakMPaYoGsOyB0Zx-EJ4yyQ6KtdbuSl2gSpKXhKug0JTxDE3zfSOqbKN0Lpf7NB2lbvu3gr~7jCT21koT8j7V~XGmRNBieH7XeMjVWjHsF0jiEQZ92GIOsdEYYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A volunteer fire‑station committee told town meeting attendees March 4 that it has narrowed plans and costs for a proposed new Swansea fire station and is asking voters to support a $3,500,000 warrant article to prepare designs and construct a new station on town‑owned property.

Committee members said redesigns and a site change reduced the project cost compared with earlier proposals; the committee estimated the revised plan shaved about $2,000,000 off prior figures. The committee’s presentation indicated the town would finance a portion of the project with a bond and use existing grant funds and undesignated reserves to reduce the borrowing need.

Committee materials shown at the meeting list a borrowing plan in which roughly $2,500,000 would be raised by bond, with about $200,000 in grants already secured and roughly $150,000 expected from the undesignated fund balance and capital reserve. Presenters said the annual bond service payment would be similar to the town’s recent annual capital contributions for the fire station, and that voters would not necessarily see a tax increase over last year if the bond passes. The bond requires a 60% (supermajority) vote at town meeting; committee members said last year’s vote reached roughly 55% in favor and fell short of the required threshold.

Supporters said the design was reduced in size, sited on town‑owned land to lower grading costs, and built to allow future expansion. Skeptical residents questioned the chosen location’s response‑time implications for the portion of town farther from the site, particularly at night. Committee members acknowledged the site was not “the best location” but said owning the parcel lowered immediate costs.

The committee scheduled another public open house for the station design at Station No. 2 on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and displayed full plans in the meeting venue. Committee members told voters the plan aims to address modern operational needs while keeping construction within what they called an affordable envelope.

No formal vote occurred at the forum; the article will appear on the ballot and requires the 60% approval to authorize borrowing and construction.","A volunteer committee presented a revised fire station plan it says cuts roughly $2 million from earlier proposals and recommends a $3.5 million warrant article; supporters say the bond service would use funds the town already pays into a capital reserve and that voters must approve a 60% majority for bonding.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6300211,"Swansea Police Chief presents citations to officers for two life‑threatening responses",127,302000,429000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f&start=302&end=429","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2493540-58e08518615e9c7eca4754f0fea0527f/thumbnail_302000.jpg","/articles/6300211/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Swansea-Police-Chief-presents-citations-to-officers-for-two-lifethreatening-responses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6300211-eed56c906c3fa11fdf8cb2c3e08c18d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172357&Signature=QJLmScOkWkuJexX2-kzmyy~xUoOQhGvdcM9mnKZ0Vh6lleN1teftk1DEjezDFFRFzpnlkpGK8BljB5hlfbhMXAMlGsHFp-4fHtNKYW-E6G2T8MljryryBL2dMtibGc4g9HGQTK0LJIfwgZVfuXvwp~Tow4JGSZsNPkI2xGekdkXaMFcTHbmpi03j4J~OIRa~YVvkCrgPhDp54CSVubr4zYgqAaG6IQ7xjTNP7S8Z05J~8ox5IHbvc-p4i5sffTXarMRAf5sdoaDvBWN6nLk8ldT6oObH4EA8FlaYFKEZejMGmCQgXzYphaeHOuBUR1gHnWyaZY5OD-MxrUKiUVyS2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Joseph Gonzales, colonel and chief of the Swansea Police Department, presented police chief citations and a lifesaving award March 4 for two separate September 2024 incidents that, according to the chief, “could have resulted in death.”

The chief recognized Sergeant Nicholas Pacquin and Officer Jonathan Collins for responding Sept. 11, 2024, to a South Road residence where an adult male in mental crisis pointed a gun at officers. Pacquin and Collins retreated to safety, called for additional units, oversaw an evacuation of part of the house and established communications with the person in crisis; the individual was subdued and transported to a hospital, the chief said.

The department also honored Officer Kyle Titus, Sergeant Kevin Clark and Officer Tabitha Dorenzo for their work on a separate Sept. 14, 2024, stabbing on Summer Street. According to the chief’s account at the presentation, Officer Titus provided immediate first aid — retrieving gauze from his duty bag and applying pressure — actions the chief said directly contributed to the victim’s survival and subsequent medevac and recovery. Sergeant Clark led scene security and the search for the assailant, and Officer Dorenzo assisted in clearing the residence and preserving evidence; the chief presented citations to each officer for “exceptional courage and selflessness.”

The awards were presented publicly before a small audience and followed by an invitation for attendees to join a reception; the chief closed the presentation by thanking officers and families for their support.

The presentation text supplied to the meeting lists the dates of the incidents, the officers involved and the awards given; no disciplinary matters, arrests or pending charges were addressed at the presentation itself.","Police Chief Joseph Gonzales awarded citations and a lifesaving award to officers for two September 2024 incidents in which officers subdued an armed person and provided emergency first aid to a stabbing victim.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Budget, EMS funding, Grange and TIF proposals highlighted ahead of Swansea town vote

Planning board backs housekeeping zoning changes but not three wetlands amendments; conservation commission raises property‑rights concerns

Warrant would authorize purchase, upgrades to West Swansea water system; backers cite 40% forgivable funding and hydrant needs

Swansea committee urges voters to approve $3.5M warrant for new fire station; bond plan seeks 60% approval

Swansea Police Chief presents citations to officers for two life‑threatening responses