Judy Lynn Welch

We are writing to express our strong opposition to HB 488, a bill that, if passed, would impose undue restrictions on municipal staffing and significantly hinder the operational flexibility of smaller communities. In this post-pandemic world, the availability of qualified candidates—both resident and non-resident—for municipal positions has become increasingly limited. This shortage is not merely a local issue but a nationwide challenge affecting several municipal departments. Our primary concerns with HB 488 are as follows: • Scarcity of Qualified Candidates: It is already exceedingly difficult to find candidates who meet the necessary qualifications, pass background checks, and are committed to starting and maintaining employment in municipal positions. Many of these roles have a steep multi-year learning curve, making it essential to attract and retain capable individuals. • Flexibility for Smaller Communities: Many smaller communities rely on the ability to maximize the use of their employees, many of whom are also qualified residents for elected positions. This bill would isolate these positions, stripping away the crucial flexibility that allows these towns to efficiently manage their limited human resources. The ability to combine roles ensures that positions remain full-time and benefit-eligible, making them more attractive to potential candidates. • Financial and Operational Impact: Forcing small towns to hire additional staff and create more office spaces will impose significant financial burdens on taxpayers. Moreover, this bill would likely reduce office hours, making it harder for residents to conduct necessary business transactions and access municipal services. • Existing Safeguards and Conflict of Interest Policies: Current legislation, RSA 669:7, already prohibits individuals from holding certain local offices simultaneously, providing a safeguard against conflicts of interest. Most municipalities also have their own Conflict of Interest Policies that complement this law, adding another layer of protection. The amendment proposed in HB 488 would unnecessarily expand these prohibitions, exacerbating the difficulty of staffing local government positions. • Impact on Community Engagement: In smaller New Hampshire towns, there are already an insufficient number of individuals willing to serve in local government roles. Many positions on the ballot remain unfilled. This bill would worsen an already dire situation, making it even harder for communities to attract and retain dedicated public servants. In today’s political landscape, we must prioritize maintaining and improving municipal services while keeping our tax base stable. The flexibility to combine roles when necessary is vital for the continued operation and efficiency of many of our local governments. We urge you to reconsider the implications of HB 488 and oppose its passage. Let us work together to support our communities by providing them with the flexibility they need to thrive. Thank you for your service to New Hampshire residents and for your consideration. Charyl Reardon Scott Rice R. Gil Rand Chair, Woodstock Select Board Woodstock Select Board Woodstock Select Board