County staff told the Strafford County executive committee on Dec. 5 that bids closed that morning for a warming center project at Wheeland Pond and that the contract operator is the bidder identified in discussion as XL East Coast Leaders.

Staff said the project depends on three cities — Dover, Rochester and Somersworth — each appropriating their share; the county will notify delegation members of bid results and of which cities have approved appropriations. A county staff member said, "If one of those cities does not approve, then the whole project is over."

County staff also said they have applied in cooperation with Community Action for a $500,000 grant, described as leftover COVID funding, that could be used to offset operating costs through June 30, 2026. If the grant is approved, staff said some municipal operating contributions for the coming season may not be required. The county receives a $100,000 state allocation toward vendor operations for the warming center, the staff said.

Committee members asked operational questions, including how many beds had been in use; staff estimated "at least a half a dozen" beds in recent openings and said bids and the grant review will determine operating details. County staff said they will send delegation members a summary of bids and approvals ahead of the January delegation meeting.

What to watch

• Which cities formally appropriate their shares (Dover, Rochester, Somersworth).
• Whether the $500,000 grant application through Community Action is approved and whether it reduces required municipal operating contributions.