ALERTS: The tax rate and tax bills have been slightly delayed as we work through the process without an assessor. The rate setting is now with the State DRA, and we are hopeful that they will approve a rate in the near future

Seabrook Receives Federal EDA Grant for Pier Repair

Seabrook has received word that we will receive a federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant of $695,965 for the repair of the Town Pier. This grant is vital to the regional economy, as the failure of the sheet pilings supporting the pier would have a devastating impact on the Yankee Fishing Cooperative and the regional fishing industry as well as on the ability of the Seabrook Station to use the harbor for the delivery of vital equipment. From the Press Release from the United States Department of Commerce:

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $695,965 grant to the Town of Seabrook, New Hampshire, to make critical infrastructure improvements needed to support the local fishing fleet and the NextEra nuclear power station. The grant, to be located near a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act designated Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $695,966 in local funds and is expected to help retain 200 jobs.

“President Trump is committed to helping communities across the nation develop the critical infrastructure they need to support business development and growth,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Dr. John Fleming. “This project will support the needs of the local commercial fishing and power sectors. The nearby Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone will further incentivize businesses to invest in the area and help reinvigorate the local economy.”

The project will help to repair the Seabrook Seawall to ensure the continued use of the wharf and adjacent channel. The work will include the replacement of the existing bulkhead and the re-grading and paving of land behind the seawall.

The Town of Seabrook has derived the matching funds from a taxpayer authorized bond, (2017 Warrant Article 6) allowing this project to move forward. My thanks to Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Maggie Hassan, Congressman Chris Pappas, and Governor Sununu and the State of New Hampshire Economic Development team, who all worked to support this application. Our thanks to the Regional Economic Development Corporation President Laurel Adams as well as Jennifer Kimball, whose work and expertise were essential to having a successful application. My thanks to NextEra for all of their support and assistance.

The Seabrook Board of Selectmen have made this project a top priority, and it was the Board that placed the bond article in 2017, going to the public with strong advocacy for both the financing, and the project itself. Without the support and advocacy of the Board this project would not have reached this point.

Finally a big thank you to the U.S. Commerce Department and the E.D.A. They have been outstanding partners, responsive and helpful throughout.

We will announce next steps very shortly.

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The Seabrook 2020 CIP Draft is Posted

I am pleased to present the 2020 CIP Book to the Seabrook Planning Board, the Seabrook Board of Selectmen, and the Seabrook Budget Committee. I have also prepared a seven year history of capital spending, as well as a separate book (CIP Supplemental) that looks at how we fund CIP Projects, as well as how we are progressing with our 2019 articles. The additional information is designed to assist policy makers as they determine how to proceed in 2020 and beyond in authorizing, and funding, vital capital projects. Thanks to Shaylia Marquis for all of her work on this project, and a big thank you to all of our municipal departments for their contributions as well.

2020 CIP final

Seabrook 2020 CIP Submission Supplemental

Seabrook CIP Spending Seven Year Review 2019

Congratulations Herb Fowler

Congratulations and best wishes to Seabrook Water Department Foreman Herb Fowler, who is retiring after 42 years of service. Herb has been an integral part of the growth and development of the Seabrook Water Department. The Board of Selectmen traveled to the Water Department to honor Herb and recognize his service to Seabrook with the entire Water Department. Thank you Herb for your outstanding service to Seabrook.

Seabrook Fire Memorial 2019

The Seabrook Firefighters Memorial has been moved to the Seabrook Fire Station, and the Town remembered those that have come before us in the Fire Service in Seabrook with a ceremony on Saturday. Thanks to Chief William Edwards for making this day possible with a lot of excellent planning and work. Many thanks to the Seabrook Board of Selectmen for all of their support. It was wonderful to have former Chief Jeff Brown on hand, and deep appreciation to Chaplain Craig Everett as well as bagpipers Bill Shute and Jim MacDonald, and Newburyport Chief Chris LeClair. The weather did not cooperate much but it was a great ceremony despite that.

Seabrook Memorial Day Celebration 2019

A beautiful day for the Seabrook Memorial Day celebration yesterday. Thank you to Katie Duffey for all of her hard work, as well as our DPW for all of the preparation. As always our thanks and gratitude to the Raymond Walton American Legion Post 70 for their work, and for their hospitality after the parade. A big thank you to all of the parade participants.

The Seabrook CIP Seven Year Spending Review

Below I have posted the seven year review of Seabrook Capital Spending, along with a supporting document of tabs that show the basis of the numbers in the main report. This document is designed to show how much we are spending on capital, how we are financing it, and where those capital tax dollars are going. There have been some important changes made, principally the adoption by the Board of Selectmen of capital reserve accounts, which are highlighted in the report. The new annual financial report will be up next. For those that might dismiss the vital importance of annual capital plans please look at the dollars spent over the past seven years. There may not be a more important document produced by localities than the annual CIP.

Seabrook CIP Spending Seven Year Review 2019

Seabrook Capital Report 2019 Tabs

The Grand Opening of “The Greyhound Casino & Tavern” in Seabrook

It was an exciting day in Seabrook, as Eureka Gaming opened the Greyhound Casino & Tavern at the site of the old Yankee Greyhound facility they recently purchased. This is the first of many upgrades to come at this location, and occurred a scant 40 plus days after Eureka purchased the site. There is much more to come! Stay tuned for some more exciting economic development news in Seabrook!

Argo Rescue Vehicle Arrives in Seabrook

The ARGO Rescue vehicle, ordered by the Seabrook Board of Selectmen last year, has arrived in Seabrook. Our first responders are training on this vehicle, which will allow them to reach those in distress that are in difficult to reach areas. While it will be of significant assistance to rescue personnel on Seabrook Beach the vehicle can be deployed town-wide. A big thank you to the D’Allasandro Fund, which financed the purchase, allowing us to increase public safety at no cost to taxpayers.

Press coverage of the ARGO purchase.

The Seabrook 2019 Warrant Analysis

I have submitted to the Seabrook Board of Selectmen a breakdown of the 2019 warrant with a look at the tax impacts on 2019. There will be a more substantial analysis submitted after the election results come in. The “pre-election analysis” is below. The focus is on 2019 impacts, with a breakdown by Department. After the breakdown we give a look at what the 2019 budget would look like if all articles passed.

Board Memo 2019 Warrant Analysis Pre election

Seabrook Asset Management Warrant Article 7 Informational Video 2019

Seabrook has a robust Asset Management plan, with warrant article 7 designed to build upon our existing system. Our Wastewater Department has produced the informational video attached below. This article will have no impact on the tax rate as it will be converted to a grant.