Selectboard approves $50,000 equipment-reserve draw, plans FEMA-backed repayment for new loader

The Concord selectboard voted to fund a new loader by taking $50,000 from the equipment reserve fund and drawing the remainder from the Connecticut River Enhancement Fund, with a plan to reimburse the enhancement fund $50,000 annually.

Committee member (speaker 3) made the motion and it was seconded; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. Tom Clark (speaker 6) told the board, “That 304,000 that we've been waiting on. It finally obligated,” referring to FEMA’s recent obligation of funds for two remaining flood-recovery projects.

Board members debated timing and whether to use incoming FEMA money for the first payment. Members clarified that FEMA’s obligation covers about 75% of the Grismell Pit and Long Hill projects and that the federal funds will flow to the state before the town receives reimbursement. The board agreed to start formal repayment in fiscal year 2027 and to deposit the town’s 50,000 after July 1, fiscal-year 2027.

The motion language recorded was: $50,000 from the equipment reserve fund; remainder from the Connecticut River Enhancement Fund; to be reimbursed at $50,000 annually, with $50,000 of anticipated FEMA funds applied to the first payment. The board did not record individual roll-call votes; the outcome was approved by voice vote.