Robert Enselln, right, is Gilead’s new selectboard chair. Left, is selectboard member Jon Howe. In the center is Patsy Cox, town clerk, tax collector and treasurer. Enselln and incumbent Cox were elected at Gilead Town Meeting on March 30. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen
GILEAD — Retired high school teacher and part time Sunday River employee Robert Ensslen is Gilead’s new selectboard chair.
Having been nominated at the start of town meeting along with incumbent Freeman Corriveau and Former Gilead Deputy Clerk Caeri Buck, Ensslen received the most votes, 11.
All were asked to speak by Moderator Vern Maxfield. Ensslen said he has lived on Bog Road for 13 years, “My taxes have doubled since we have lived here,” he said. “Maybe there are things we can do on the township level to control that and curb that a little. Maybe spend money a little more wisely.”
Corriveau, who received three votes, said the tripling of the school board budget was the reason for tax increases. “If you do get elected, good luck,” he said to Ennslen.
Buck who is a member of Gilead’s Fire Department and received five votes, said, “I would like to curb the budget, too.”
Articles passed
The 22 voters in attendance passed all 37 articles.
The 2024 approved budget is 14% higher than last year at $704,812. In 2023 the approved budget was $617, 888. The dollar amount increase is $86, 924.
During a discussion of Article 4 to approve $1,000 toward “much needed repairs on the 1883 Gilead Town Hall,” selectboard member Jon Howe, asked if any contractors were available to help with repairs on the building. “We want to fix it but nobody is available,” the Town has just over $100,000 saved so far for the repair. The voters approved the additional amount.
Article 5 to add $5,000. toward municipal equipment passed.
In response to article 6 requesting training money, Fire Chief Randy Grondin said the rescue calls were up to 17 calls in 2023. Fire department training was needed, he said.
Resident Lise McLain asked why the fire department didn’t respond to her truck fire in December. Grondin said he was in Bethel working during a snowstorm that had dumped two and a half feet of snow. Grondin said he needs firefighting volunteers since only five or six people show up consistently.
Grondin said he had recently signed up for mutual aid with fire departments in New Hampshire. McLain, persisted, insisting Gilead needs a reliable fire department.
Approval of Article 14 means individual town officers will each receive a $500. raise for 2024. The budget for ballot clerks was increased by $1,000 because there will be three 2024 elections, as opposed to the two, that are typical.
With regard to Articles 15 and 16 –that asked voters to help fund the town’s bridges – Corriveau said, “Our bridges are failing. It will be $60,000 to $100,00 for our half, with the State hopefully kicking in the other half.”
They approved $4,000 to have Bethel Rescue ambulance service available to the Town and $15,000 was raised to maintain and operate the Town Garage/Fire Department
Article 23 was approval of $30,000 for a roof on the Town Garage/Fire Department building. It’s a 52-year original roof on the fire station, “it’s beyond repair,” said Grondin. “it’s been leaking for 30 years,” said a resident. “Bids came in for $22,00 to $29,000,” said Corriveau.
During a discussion of what social service agencies should receive, Corriveau said he would prefer people write a check individually versus the selectboard deciding how much money to give. “These are very small amounts that we give,” he said. Townspeople voted to give several agencies a total of $2,875; last year they gave $3,000. Cox noted that the selectboard had approved far less than what the Bethel Food Pantry had requested.
Voters approved $35,000 (article 26) for operation of the transfer station. Corriveau said the Town needs an overseer for the transfer station, a position required by the State.
A capital improvement fund of $1,000 will go toward a future generator that would potentially power all of the closely clustered town buildings.
Bruce Bryant had introduced himself at the start of the meeting, as he had at Woodstock’s Town Meeting. He is running for state senate.
Election
“I checked it, there are no dead bodies,” said Patsy Cox when the ballot box was opened to count ballots.
Fred Corriveau was nominated and unanimously voted for Road Commissioner.
Patsy Cox was nominated and unanimously voted as tax collector, town clerk, and town treasurer.
Caeri Buck was elected to a three-year term on the school board.
Following the Town Meeting, Ensslen was sworn in and chosen by Howe and Alfred Leighton to be chair of the three-member selectboard. Their second meeting together as a board is scheduled for April 10 at 6 p.m. at town office.
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