By Charlene Lovett
While many have been home fighting the flu or other forms of illness this season, the business of government continues to march forward without interruption. This past week was no different. Although two councilors were absent due to illness, the council met to address a number of items. The following is an overview of some of the items covered during our meeting on February 28th.
As you may recall, in 2017 thecouncil re-affirmed its position in support of creating a public boat launch at the Wild Goose site on Lake Sunapee, an issue that has been debated for more than 25 years. The Claremont City Council, Newport Board of Selectmen and the County Commissioners all signed resolutions supporting the construction of this site. Because of ongoing opposition from communities abutting the lake, the governor created a commission to study the issue.
About the same time, Rep. Peter Hansen, R-Amherst, introduced House Bill (HB) 1706 which supported the construction of the site at Wild Goose.
Two things have recently occurred. The commission released its report, which was due on March 1, and a House committee voted 19-2 to kill HB 1706.
Given its recent release, time will need to be spent on digesting the report’s content and developing an appropriate response. Rep. Hansen will continue his efforts in the House. In the meantime, the public still does not have access to a free public boat launch, open 24/7, on Lake Sunapee which is required by law enacted in 1992.
Another piece of legislation of concern to municipalities is HB 1485 which proposes increasing the maximum amount of a security deposit from one to two months’ rent.
The bill went to the House Judiciary Committee, and members voted 10-8 Inexpedient to Legislate. Due to the nature of the close vote in committee, there is a likely chance that representatives will pose arguments, both for and against, on the floor prior to the upcoming House vote.
The concern to the municipalities is that a requirement for higher security deposits will create an additional hardship for people who are trying to find a place to rent. Affordable housing is a challenge throughout the State, and the concern is that this may only exacerbate the issue and push people towards welfare assistance. Given that welfare assistance is supported by taxpayer dollars, an increased need for assistance equates to an increase in the municipality’s welfare assistance budget.
The city administration has begun the budgetary process, and City Manager McNutt has tasked his departments with creating two budgets — one that does not raise the tax rate and one that is reflective of what each department needs to fully execute all of its responsibilities.
At our next meeting on March 14, the council will discuss its funding priorities with the city manager. Once Mr. McNutt presents the budget to the council on May 1, the council will then review, obtain public input, and vote on changes, if any, that need to be made.
Finally, the council adopted its goals and objectives for 2018.
The goals focus on actions that will ultimately increase revenue, recapture city valuation, broaden the tax base, and lessen the pressure on taxpayers. The goals also include actions that will improve local governance, thereby creating better outcomes. I have no doubt that 2018 will be a productive year, and we will continue to improve the vibrancy and desirability of Claremont as a place to work, live and play.
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.