CLAREMONT, N.H. – The Claremont City Council met on Wednesday, May 13, to discuss city finances.
Director of Public Works Alex Gleeson introduced Tony Feder, of Raftelis, a financial and management consulting firm, who recommended rate changes for Claremont’s water and sewage services for the next three years. Feder suggested that the city increase water rates by 8.75% in 2027, with only a 5% increase and a 2% increase respectively in the following two years. He recommended a straight 2% increase in sewer rates for the next three years.
A majority of the city council members reacted to the 8.75% increase for water rates with concern for Claremont residents, given the economic climate. They requested that the rate increases be made more uniform across the next three years. Then, they would consider a council vote.
The Sullivan House asked for a renewal of its pilot three-year agreement with the city. Sullivan House, at 19 Sullivan Street, is owned by the county. It would like to pay the city $12,000 each year in lieu of taxes. The council accepted this agreement.
City Manager Nancy Bates presented the Teamsters Local Union No. 63’s three-year contract to the council for consideration. In summation, for fiscal year 2027, $92,000 was requested; for fiscal year 2028, $46,866 was requested; and $46,474 was requested for fiscal year 2029. Council members reacted negatively to the large bump in fiscal year 2027. The council voted “no” to this contract.
The Firefighters Collective Bargaining Unit requested $145,955 for fiscal year 2027, $63,661 for fiscal year 2028, and $66,844 for 2029. While the council members expressed some concern about the large bump in fiscal year 2027 figures, the contract was passed.
Police Chief Brent Wilmot reported that the police department received a grant for $82,832 from the U.S. Department of Justice to fund the position of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT) coordinator. This coordinator works with police officers by going out to residences and making contact with family members, and assisting families when needed. He explained that this grant requires a 20% match, but, because of his department’s in-kind contributions, little or nothing will be needed from the city’s coffers. Wilmot also presented budgets for staffing and communication. However, the council requested that he come back with more information.
The Golden Cross Ambulance five-year contract for $60,000 per year was discussed by council members. They requested more information be provided at the next council meeting on May 27 before they agreed to a vote.
Bates requested a transfer of $35,000 be made from the financial budget to the general service budget to pay for additional audit costs. This was approved by the council.
Bates also requested a transfer of $57,340 be moved from the capital reserve fund to the community center fund for the acid washing of the lap pool and the resurfacing of the teaching pool at the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center. The Council voted “yes.”
The Claremont City Council meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, at 6:30 p.m., in the Claremont City Hall Council Chambers.