D.J. Bettencourt

2027 municipal budget bottom line

All-in cost of $73,272,691 including enterprise funds, roughly a 3.4% estimated tax rate increase.

Town-Wide Fee Schedule Review

Could eventually change what you pay for permits, transfer station stickers, and other town services — but no fee changes were made at this meeting.

Town Council Proposed Budget

A $2 million revenue increase was floated; roughly $1 million from fund balance could offset tax impact if applied to one-time projects.

South Fire Station Wetland Permit

About $421 total over 20 years for a $500K home, possibly less if more impact fees arrive — roughly zero tax impact in the first three years.

Recycling Program Support

Actual per-ton costs for trash and recycling are not yet known because the service is out to bid.

2026 Road Program Funding

$2.5 million warrant article — about $125/year on a $500,000 home.

Transfer Station Operations and Costs

Out-of-state users are shifting disposal costs onto Salem taxpayers.

2026 zoning amendments

Supporters and opponents alike tied it to potential tax burden and traffic impacts along Route 28.

Ending recycling at the transfer station

About $65,000 a year in savings — less than a penny on the tax rate.

Donigian Farm senior housing density and flooding

The developer would fund an estimated half-mile water main extension along Pelham Road; two built homes sit unoccupied, and the property is listed for $3.2 million.

Millville Beach Cleanup and Old Bathhouse

A few new picnic tables are needed; possible funding from the Conservation Committee or nonprofits, and asbestos abatement at the old bathhouse is an unpriced future item.

South Fire Station project budget

About $21 a year on a $500,000 home once bond payments start in 2028.

Town Forest Stewardship

Applicants pay a fee and get a partial refund when they clean up their sites.

Exemption Limits Adjusted After Revaluation

Keeps current exemption recipients' relief level intact; no expansion of eligibility criteria.

South Fire Station replacement wetland impacts

Roughly $10.4 million expected as a 2027 warrant article, likely bonded.

Spicket River Tree Removal / Clean River Project

Unknown — crane work or specialized in-river machinery would require town contracting and budget commitments.

Community Development Director staffing dispute

The town will bear recruitment costs and a salary for a new planning director.

Mandatory Water Restrictions

Buying more regional water costs about $3.09 per unit versus far cheaper town-treated water, which could pressure water fees.

Hedgehog Park Basketball Court and Pavilion Improvements

Municipal project cost not stated.

Variance requests for residential construction in Salem

ADUs typically add value to the homes and don't cost the town anything directly.

Accept Town of Salem correspondence

Accept Salem School District/SAU57 minutes

Adopt September 17, 2026 meeting minutes

Adjournment

Approval of Meeting Minutes (Sept 28, Oct 7, Oct 14, 2026)

Approve Consent Agenda

Appointment of Dawn Arahovites as Municipal Agent

Resolution No. 2026-22 – Traffic Signal Improvements at Pelham Road and Keewaydin Drive

Accept $21,200 NH Highway Safety Grant for Police Traffic Enforcement

Salem Animal Rescue League Trailer at 4 SARL Drive

Increase in Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Exemption Limits

Adjournment

Human Services - Lien - Spring Street

Increase Building Permits revenue line to $1,550,000

Reduce employee COLA from 4% to 3%

Cut Legal Budget publications line in half

Fund Community Development Director for six months only

Add $30,000 to Direct Assistance budget

Use $45,000 charitable gaming revenue for fireworks

Fund $300,000 DPW equipment replacement from fund balance

Move to increase the Direct Assistance Budget Line 4433 – Other Assistance by $30,000 for a new total of $35,000.

Move to use the revenue from charitable gaming towards the cost of fireworks.

Add $30,000 to Direct Assistance budget

Saw it as spending $30,000 more than likely needed given warrant articles' history of passing

Use $45,000 charitable gaming revenue for fireworks

Not convinced there is a problem with the existing Tuscan fireworks justifying new spending

Move to approve the Town Council Public Session Meeting Minutes from July 6, 2026.

Approve July 6, 2026 Public Session Minutes

Move to approve the Town Council Public Session Meeting Minutes from May 4, 2026.

Move to appoint Camelia Bouzerdan to a one-year term on the Finance Committee ending June 2027.

Appoint Camelia Bouzerdan to Finance Committee

He sidestepped the choice and encouraged candidates toward the Budget Committee instead.

Move to appoint Tom Woeffel, Kevin Richard, and Rick Murray to the Recreation Advisory Committee to terms ending April 2029.

Appoint Recreation Advisory Committee members (incumbents over newcomers)

Move to receive and forward the following petition to the 2026 Town Meeting Warrant/Ballot WITHOUT recommendation: By Petition: Shall the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Seven Thousand

Move to receive and forward the following petition to the 2026 Town Meeting Warrant/Ballot WITH recommendation: By Petition: Shall the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dolla

Move to forward the following article to the 2026 annual Town Meeting Warrant/Ballot with recommendation: Article 07 - Shall the Town vote to authorize the Town Council to enter into long-term lease-

Move to receive and forward the following petition to the 2026 Town Meeting Warrant/Ballot WITH recommendation: By Petition: Shall the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dolla

Move to receive and forward the following petition to the 2026 Town Meeting Warrant/Ballot WITHOUT recommendation: By Petition: Shall the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Do

Warrant Article 7 — $1,350,000 Fire Engine Lease-Purchase

Article 15 — Isaiah 58 Petition ($10,000)

Appreciated Isaiah 58's data sheet spelling out services delivered

Article 16 — Salem Family Resources Petition ($10,000)

Article 17 — The Upper Room Petition ($7,500)

Article 18 — Field of Dreams Petition ($10,000)