Selectboard approves Conservation Commission adjusted budget; NRI RFP has limited responses

Selectman Harry Juergens and the Selectboard approved the Conservation Commission’s adjusted budget and a rollover of funds after a detailed line-item review, the board recorded at its Dec. 29 meeting.

Chris, a Conservation Commission member, presented the budget review and explained that mapping and the Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) line items were removed from the operating budget because those costs will be covered by the conservation fund. The proposed budget reflects a decrease from the prior year; membership dues to the New Hampshire Association for Conservation will remain unchanged and the training line was retained for potential wetland-permit training despite the absence of formal continuing-education requirements.

Commissioners discussed which expenses should be paid from the operating budget, conservation fund and capital reserve—particularly consultant services—and agreed to request that the remaining operating budget balance be transferred into the conservation fund. A motion to approve the adjusted budget and rollover was made, seconded and passed 3-0.

The Commission also raised procedural concerns about the state’s expedited wetland permit process, saying the shortened review timeframe is not well suited to the capacity of local commissions and may warrant local process improvements and future training. Chris reported the NRI RFP had been distributed to multiple consultants but had produced limited responses; progress was further hindered by problems accessing the Commission’s shared email account. The Commission agreed to allow the consultant who helped draft the RFP to submit a proposal and will follow up with town IT to resolve email access and monitor submissions through the deadline.

Members noted the Commission currently has only three active members and expressed interest in recruiting additional volunteers and in potential collaboration with the town recycling center once the NRI is completed.

The Selectboard recorded the budget vote and directed the Chair to request the fund transfer; the board will circulate updated budget figures for final approval.