Friday Updates - November 15, 2024

Friday, November 15, 2024

UNH President Elizabeth Chilton and Durham Town Council Chair Sally Needell at today's inauguration of President Chilton as the 21st University of New Hampshire President. Courtesy Jeremy Gasowski, UNH Marketing

INAUGURATION OF UNH'S 21ST PRESIDENT -- ELIZABETH CHILTON

This morning at 10 o'clock, Elizabeth Chilton was formally inaugurated as the 21st President of the University of New Hampshire in the Granite State Room of the Memorial Union Building. It was a lovely ceremony with standing room only.

A first-generation college student and a graduate of public universities, Chilton is a champion for public higher education, deeply committed to access and liberal arts education. She values UNH’s position as a leading, public research institution that maintains a sharp focus on undergraduate education, inspired by the University’s research mission while also remaining a strong believer in the power of a transformational undergraduate experience.

We wish President Chilton all the very best in her critical role at UNH.

As noted during the ceremony, It's a great day to be a Wildcat!

THANK YOU FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST

The Supervisors of the Checklist would like to thank all who helped at the election last week. Some emails have been sent out to specific groups, but there were many who jumped in at the last minute to help with the lines, with alphabetizing, and even with registering to vote. It takes a village . . ., and luckily Durham is a village full of people who want to help. Thank you all so much.

The Supervisors will now be busy for about another 6 or 8 weeks, entering all the information gleaned from the registration forms onto the state-wide checklist, including making sure all who voted get credit for doing so. This takes an incredible amount time, but we have already begun the process, and plan to be updated by the Deliberative Session in early February.

A new era has begun, as of Tuesday November 12. Affidavits are no longer available to use if proofs are not available. This could change, because we believe this law will be challenged, but for the time being, actual proofs of identity, age, domicile, and citizenship will be required. If you have not registered, you may do so at the Town Clerk’s office, but please come prepared.

2024 DURHAM PROPERTY TAX BILLS DUE NEXT MONTH

Property tax bills for the final billing of 2024 are being mailed now to be received by Friday, November 15, 2024, and will be due on Monday, December 16, 2024. The new tax rate is $20.33. You may make payments online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/clerk or by mailing a check to 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. You may also leave payments in the town hall dropbox located at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH. Residents may also pay property tax bills in person between 8am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday. 

Please email rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us if you have any questions about your property tax bill. The Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office will be closed for Thanksgiving Holiday 11/28-29/24. Bills postmarked or left in the town hall drop box by 12/16/24 will not be charged interest.

DURHAM’S 2024 COMBINED FULL TAX RATE DECREASED BY 15 CENTS OR 0.73%

Durham has received the finalized 2024 tax rate from the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration. The new combined full rate (Town, County, State School and Local School) for 2024 is $20.33, a decrease of $0.15 cents (or 0.73%) compared to the 2023 tax rate of $20.48. The decrease can be found in the State and Local School tax.

Each of the levels of government, Durham Town Council, ORCSD School Board, and Strafford County Commissioners work diligently to keep spending to a minimum while still endeavoring to meet the ever-changing demands of the community. In the end, three factors impact the tax rate: Spending (intended to meet goals/community programming expectations), revenue (user fees, grants, motor vehicle registrations, program fees, permits, etc.) and assessed valuation.

Note the Town portion of the tax rate has remained static at $5.75 for two years in a row, consistent with Town Council goals. Unfortunately, we project little new tax base growth for 2025 beyond routine home improvements.

Per the requirements of the Durham Town Charter, Administrator Selig has presented the Council with a proposed 2025 budget, which includes the General Fund, Water Fund, Sewer (Wastewater) Fund, Library Fund, Parking Fund, Depot Road Lot Fund, Churchill Rink Fund, and Downtown TIF Fund budgets, as well as the Administrator’s proposed 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Plan incorporating the FY 2025 Capital Fund budget utilizing a ten-year time horizon.  There will be a public hearing on the 2025 budgets at the November 18, 2024 Town Council meeting.

Due to wage pressures driven by the post-pandemic environment, a high rate of inflation over the last three years, increasing healthcare and energy costs, and low growth in the tax base, this is intended to be a steady state budget to ensure Town operations stand ready to accomplish needed tasks as efficiently and effectively as possible for a community of our size, complexity, and demographics, taking into consideration the reality that Durham is host to UNH, the State of New Hampshire’s flagship public university.  



The twelve-month year-over-year, September to September change in Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) data follows for informational purposes:  

                                                                               2022   2023   2024

CPI-U Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH          8.2%   2.6%   3.4%

In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to increase the 2025 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 45 cents to $6.20 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, an increase of 7.71%. The 2023 and 2024 tax rate was held level at $5.75 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The tax rate remained at $7.37 (formerly $8.48 but adjusted due to 2018 statistical revaluation update) for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The proposed budget would cost the average Durham property taxpayer with a home valued at $500,000 an additional $225.00 in taxes for 2025 on the municipal portion of the tax rate.  

The proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 2.9% increase in user fees (a rate of $10.92 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2025.  

The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 3.4% increase in user fees in FY 2025 (a rate of $10.66 per hundred cubic feet).  

Details associated with the budget can be found within this FY 2025 budget book, the 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Program document, or within a separate informational booklet being prepared by the Business Office that will offer some high-level analysis concerning the proposal for Town Council and community information.  Online links to each of these documents can be found below:

Proposed 2025 Operating Budget HERE.

Proposed 2025 Budget Information Booklet HERE.

Proposed 2025-2034 CIP HERE.

Please note once again that the various departments of the Town brought forward lean budgets this season.

PUBLIC HEARING ON WORKFORCE HOUSING ORDINANCE

The Town Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed Workforce Housing Ordinance this Monday, November 18. 

The Council meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and you can view the agenda HERE. You can see the proposed new ordinance HERE.

Members of the public are welcome to speak at the hearing or to send comments or questions to the Town Planner at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.

The Town Landing was selected by UNH researchers in collaboration with indigenous partners for its proximity to culturally important areas and the threat of flooding at these locations. Removal of the Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River, upstream of this sensor, is planned in the next year. The data from this sensor will capture the changes in water levels as a result of this removal. 

The site is supported through congressionally directed funding from Senator Shaheen’s office as part of an effort to enhance resiliency throughout the NH coast.

Learn more HERE.

This past Wednesday, UNH and Durham hosted an Amtrak Downeaster Station Operation Committee meeting for each of the stations located along the rail corridor held at NH Hall. Staff from the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) were on hand to provide updates on Downeaster operations, ridership statistics, and reporting out from each station community. Durham resident John Carroll, UNH Special Projects Director Steve Pesci, Town Councilor Eric Lund, and Mr. Selig were all able to attend the meeting.

NNEPRA is a customer-focused, public transportation authority created by the Maine State Legislature in 1995 in response to a public initiative led by TrainRiders Northeast. It was at the center of the restoration of passenger rail service between Boston, Exeter, Durham, Dover, and points within Maine in December of 2001. NNEPRA continues to provide leadership, support, and coordination for the many operational partners and capital projects involved with developing and maintaining successful passenger rail service in Maine and Northern New England.

The team at NNEPRA oversees the day-to-day operations of the Amtrak Downeaster. Through management of budget, promotion, contracts, and customer service, the Downeaster has become one of the most celebrated regional passenger rail services in the country.

NNEPRA and the Downeaster are truly fulfilling the envisioned mission of Moving Northern New England Forward. Sometime this December, the ten millionth rider will board the train!

The Municipal Management Association of New Hampshire (MMANH) has named Durham Administrator Todd Selig as the 2024 Member of the Year for outstanding service and commitment to excellence in local government at the NH Municipal Association Annual Conference held on October 30, 2024, at the Center of NH Expo Center in Manchester. 

MMANH President (and Bedford Town Manager) Rick Sawyer read the following as part of a surprise presentation for Mr. Selig. 

“On behalf of the Municipal Management Association of New Hampshire it is my distinct honor to announce that we have chosen this year to recognize one of our own as Member of the Year. This is not something we do every year, but rather only when someone stands out amongst their peers for actions during the year. This person has always led by example and this year they took it to another level by writing letters to the editor, writing to, and testifying in front of our representatives in Concord, rallying us, educating us, and showing what it means to be a professional manager in response to a piece legislation that most considered not to be good for our municipalities.

Additionally, this person routinely provides excellent mentorship to any member of our Association who needs it and is currently one of the longest continually serving Managers to a community in the State.  

Please join me in congratulating Mr. Todd Selig, Town Manager, Durham, NH for his outstanding service and commitment to excellence in local government in NH as this year’s Municipal Management Association’s Member of the Year.”

The Municipal Management Association of New Hampshire is composed of appointed local government officials serving in managerial positions throughout the State of New Hampshire, including town/city managers, town administrators, and administrative assistants.

On Saturday, November 16th at 2 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers, the Durham Historic Association presents Dr. Steven C. Eames, retired professor of history, on the impact of war on both soldiers and civilians. His talk, “Rustic Warriors: Citizen Soldiers on the Northern Frontier,” will draw on the research for his most recent book, Rustic Warriors.

Taking issue with historians who have criticized provincial soldiers’ battlefield style, strategy, and conduct, Steven Eames demonstrates that what developed in early New England was, in fact, a unique way of war that selectively blended elements of European military strategy, frontier fighting, and Native American warfare.

This new form of warfare responded to and influenced the particular challenges, terrain, and demography of early New England. Throughout Rustic Warriors, he uses early New England culture as a staging ground from which to better understand the ways in which New Englanders waged war, as well as to provide a fuller picture of the differences between provincial, French, and Native American approaches to war.

No stranger to Durham, Dr. Eames participated as an expert consultant in the recent Town Round Table Discussions about the text for the 1694 Oyster River Massacre historical marker. His talk is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Did You Know?  Fall Decorations

For those residents who are bringing fall decorations like (unpainted) pumpkins, gourds, squash, corn stalks, etc. to the transfer station for composting… thank you! This helps our town cut back on solid waste that goes to the landfill. 

Instead of putting your pumpkins, gourds, etc. in the compost bins however, please put them in the roll-off for grass and leaves. ***Please note that these are the only compost items that should be put in the roll-off with grass and leaves. All other compostable items should continue to be put in the compost bins provided. If you have any questions, please speak with Tom at the transfer station.

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: https://recyclesmartma.org/

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE for information.

THE SWITCH IS ON: Durham Holds On to First Place in Seacoast Energy Challenge! 

The Energy Committees from Durham, Portsmouth, Dover, Newmarket, and Exeter have challenged each other to show that their communities can lead the pack in choosing Greener Electricity through Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH). Each town tracks how many residents have “Opted-up” since August 1 to a Greener Power plan than their community default – for Durham that means either the Clean 50 or Clean 100 plans. As of November 1, Durham has increased its lead! 

Durham residents used a total of 1,911 MWh of greener power and have saved over 170 tons of CO₂! Way to go Green Team!

Can Durham hold on to our lead through the end of the rate period in January 2025? There is still time for residents to Opt-up to greener power -- opting-up to Clean 50 will cost the average household only $5 a month and will save 1.2 tons of CO₂ per year! Check out all the details, cost comparisons, and how to do it on the Energy Committee web page https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_energy/opt-climate-impact. And show everyone that It’s Easy To Be Green!

A week ago, the UNH Student Athlete Advisory Board held a “Food Frenzy” competition with various UNH athletic teams challenging each other to raise the most food donations before one of their sporting events. When the two-week competition was finished, all donated foods were given to the Cornucopia Food Pantry at "Durham's Own Waysmeet Center.”

The folks at The Waysmeet Center are especially excited to be involved in this exciting event.

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly, so Parents and guardians can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates. These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent/Guardian to teach your kids about Fire Safety. The more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #46

While you’re playing outside in the Fall and early Winter, there are some things to think about while you're having fun outside. For some helpful tips, click HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS...

Important Inclement Weather Information

Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps shared an important update this week regarding inclement weather season and the difference between delayed starts, snow days, and remote learning.

1. Delayed starts: ORCSD uses delayed starts when the weather is predicted to thaw or improve by mid-morning. When school is delayed, we operate on a two-hour delay and morning PEP is cancelled.
2. Snow days: Snow days are for heavy snow events. During a snow day, school is cancelled. All Oyster River schools, and the SAU office will be closed.
3. Remote learning: While we will prepare students and staff for the option to pivot to remote learning, for the first part of winter, we will limit inclement weather decisions to delayed starts and cancellations.

You may read or view the full message HERE.

No School November 27-29

All Oyster River schools will be closed November 27, 28, and 29 for Thanksgiving Break. The SAU office will be closed November 28 and 29.

ORHS Fall Play: The 39 Steps

November 21 and 22 at 7:00 p.m., and November 23 at 2:00 p.m. Location: Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Tickets can be purchased at the door (cash only). $5 for students and seniors and $7 for adults.

ORCSD Hiring Bus and Van Drivers

ORCSD operates its own fleet, meaning our drivers work directly for us. We offer great pay at $26.74 per hour, a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, term life and long-term disability, and 403 (b) with annuity. ORCSD drivers get 11 paid holidays, 15 days of paid sick time, and up to a $1,000 annual perfect attendance bonus! Guaranteed work week with a choice of weekly hours from 20, 25 or 30, and summer hours (for those interested). Please contact Director of Transportation Trisha Daley at 603-868-1610 or tdaley@orcsd.org. More information available HERE. Apply HERE today.

ORHS Field Hockey Team Receives Community Spirit Award

Congratulations to Oyster River High School's Field Hockey team for receiving a Community Spirit Award from the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA). The team completed a 6-week long program culminating in a Youth Field Hockey clinic and will receive a $100 prize from Eastern Propane & Oil.

ORMS Honors Veterans

On November 8, Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) hosted its 3rd Annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Breakfast. Local veterans were invited to join students and staff in the Morse Recital Hall for a touching celebration of their service to our country and community, followed by breakfast in the Learning Commons. Photos and additional information are available HERE.

TIGER Visits Mast Way School

On November 8, Mast Way School students enjoyed a live performance by TIGER (Theater Integrating Guidance, Education, and Responsibility). TIGER is a professional educational theater company at Plymouth State University. Photos and additional information are available HERE.

Did You Miss Coffee House?

On November 8, ORHS students, staff, family, friends, and ORCSD School Board members attended a crowded Coffee House. The evening was filled with excitement and live art performances. Coffee House is hosted quarterly by the editorial team of Oyster River’s award-winning student publication Mouth of the River (MOR). Additional information is available HERE. 

Make sure to mark your calendar for MOR's next Coffee House January 30, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in ORHS' Multipurpose room (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

Join us at the 9th annual UNH Maker's Expo! This year's event will take place in the Memorial Union Building Granite State Room on December 6 from 10am-4pm.

Since 2016, the Maker's Expo has celebrated the creativity of the UNH community, featuring only UNH students, staff, and faculty as vendors.  

This year, over 50 vendors will showcase a range of handmade creations, ranging from upcycled art, charcuterie boards, pet toys, jewelry, fiber arts, and even sock gnomes. You're sure to find something you love at this year's event.

Stop by if you can, we'd love to see you there!