Friday Updates - December 19, 2025

Friday, December 19, 2025

A doe in the field at Thompson Forest Courtesy, Jean McPeak

There will be NO Friday Updates next week due to the Christmas Holiday. The Town Hall will be closing at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, and be closed all day on December 25 and 26. The Town Hall will also be closed on Thursday, January 1.

There will be no trash collection on Thursday, December 25, but will be delayed one day to Friday, December 26.

At the Town Council meeting on Monday evening the Council approved the Budget Resolution with one additional amendment requesting the Administrator remove an additional $50,000 from the proposed budget. Below is the complete list of amendments, totaling $327,010, to be made to the 2026 Administrator’s proposed budget. $123,380 will be added to the revenue side. 

After decreasing the proposed budget by the additional $50,000 the estimated tax rate for 2026 is now $5.89 – an increase of $0.77 or 14.96% (it was previously reported in last week’s Friday Updates that the estimated tax rate would be $5.93 – an increase of $0.81 or 15.89%). The original 2026 Administrator’s proposed budget projected a tax rate increase of 18.02%. Additional revenue and further cuts were identified as part of the process between the Town Council, Administrator, Business Manager, and departments subsequent to the required Town Charter budget submittal date of Oct. 31st. 

In addition, changes made to the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) as part of the budget process are as follows:

• 2026 Madbury Road Phase V – $1,820,000 Funding changed from 100% bonding to $364,000 Bond and $1,456,000 Grant Funds
• 2026 Renovation of Tennis/Pickleball Courts - $100,000 Project moved to 2027
• 2026 Fire Station Facility Improvements - $500,000 reduced to $400,000
• 2026 Seasonal Decorative Lighting - $2,500 Removed from 2026 Program
• 2026 Road Program- $533,500 reduced to $516,000

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FEES HAVE CHANGED

The construction permit fees have been reviewed over the years but not updated since April 2007. Therefore, the Building Department recently decided to verify that Durham’s fees are aligned with similar surrounding jurisdictions. They documented fees from six other communities: Newmarket, Lee, Greenland, Newington, Madbury and Stratham. As a result, the following updated fees were proposed and approved by the Administrator:

• All types of construction permits for one and two-family residential: Application fee of $50 and $7 per thousand of construction cost
• All types of construction permits for multi-family and commercial: Application fee of $100 and $10 per thousand of construction cost

In addition, work done without a permit will now be fined a minimum of $100 or 200% of the permit construction fee whichever is greater. Please contact the Building Department at (603) 868-8064 if you have any questions on whether a project requires a permit or not.

For a full list of all fees related to building, please click HERE.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE CHANGES STARTING JANUARY 1, 2026

Due to the passage of NH House Bill 2 vehicle registrations processed on or after January 1, 2026, will include increased state fees.

If you’d like to renew your vehicle at the current rates, and your renewal is due before March 31, 2026, please complete the process by Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Town Clerk Office Hours & Closures

• Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday — 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Closed: Wednesdays
• Holiday Closures: December 25 & 26, and January 1

For questions about the fee changes, the NH DMV is the best resource: phone: 603-227-4000 or email: NH.DMVHelp@dos.nh.gov 

Registration Fee Changes by Vehicle Weight

• 0–3,000 lbs: $31.20 → $42.00 per year ($2.60 → $3.50 per month)
• 3,001–5,000 lbs: $43.20 → $48.00 per year ($3.60 → $4.00 per month)
• 5,001–8,000 lbs: $55.20 → $66.00 per year ($4.60 → $5.50 per month)

For a complete list of all affected fees, please check the NH DMV official website at https://www.dmv.nh.gov/

We appreciate your attention to this update and wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

BICKFORD CHESLEY DONATIONS STILL NEEDED - Note that the Town Hall address is incorrect on pre-printed envelopes

Due to an incorrect address for the Durham Town Hall printed on the pre-printed envelopes, some donations to the Bickford-Chesley House Gallery being returned to their senders. Please note the correct address for the Town Hall is 8 Newmarket Road.

The Bickford-Chesley House Gallery appeal end date has been extended to September 2026, so there is still time to make a donation. The gallery will host exhibits on a wide array of topics: archaeology, history, the environment, as well as showcase the work of local artists and craftspeople. But funding is still needed for exhibit cases, floor coverings, UV light filters, and other gallery amenities in order to protect historical artifacts and art works that will be on display.

Giving Levels:

• $500
• $250
• $100
• $50
• $35
• $ Other

Individual donations of $3,000 and above will be recognized on Wagon Hill Farm Heritage Plaque:

• Leadership Level $20,000 and above
• Benefactor Level $10,000-$19,999
• Patron Level $3,000-$9,999

Checks can be made payable to the ‘Wagon Hill Farm Heritage Expendable Trust’ and sent to the Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824. Donations in any amount are welcome.

Thank you!

Bickford-Chesley House Advisory Committee

OLD CUMBERLAND FARMS BUILDING AT 3 DOVER ROAD TO BE REPLACED WITH A NEW DUNKIN'

Work will begin soon on construction of the new Dunkin' at 3 Dover Road, to be situated between the Holiday Inn Express and the Mobile Station. The new owner, Scott Mitchell with his son Jim Mitchell, who also owns the Irving Station across the street, are redeveloping the site to accommodate relocation of the existing Dunkin' at the Irving station. Circle K will be expanding into the space currently occupied by Dunkin'. 

The 1,711 square foot building on the ¼- acre lot at 3 Dover Road was built in 1965. It has been vacant now for decades and will be demolished very soon. The site had been challenging to redevelop due to its small size and the amount of traffic on Dover Road/Route 108. The Mitchells developed a detailed traffic plan and coordinated carefully with the Planning Board and New Hampshire Department of Transportation to ensure that the traffic will be manageable. The entrance will not allow for left turns into the site in order that vehicles traveling easterly on Dover Road, coming through the stop light, will not be delayed. There will also not be a drive-through window. The attractive design, in compliance with Durham’s Architectural Regulations, is by Aharonian Architects of Rhode Island.

PLANNING BOARD HOLDING PUBLIC HEARINGS ON BUILDING HEIGHT PROPOSALS DOWNTOWN

There has been much debate in recent months about potentially changing the height limit in the Central Business District and what the appropriate height limit should be, especially the easterly section. The Planning Board will be holding public hearings on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, on two alternative approaches.  You can see more information on these proposals HERE.  A preliminary agenda for the January 14 meeting can be downloaded HERE.

If you have been in the Durham Planning, Zoning, and Assessing Office in recent months you might have met Siena Schaier.  Siena, a sophomore at UNH, assists Tracey Cutler, the department administrative assistant, as a part-time intern.  

Siena lives in Durham, grew up here, and attended the Oyster River schools.  She became interested in politics in high school having served as a page for the Democratic Party caucus in the U.S. Senate.  “It was a powerful exposure, listening to speeches on the senate floor.  It unlocked my motivation to get involved, to have an impact.” Siena now has a double major in Political Science and International Affairs with a minor in Economics.  

She hopes to go to law school, perhaps to work in international or intellectual property law, recognizing the importance of the latter with the rise of artificial intelligence.  She is also interested in entertainment law, noting, “I do want to have some fun.”

Siena is passionate about a range of issues, including the environment, the burdensome cost of living, and mental health support for young people.  After the death of a cousin who had struggled with mental illness, Siena came to appreciate how difficult adjustment is for many of her peers.  She started a mental health awareness network at Oyster River High School.

In January, Siena will depart for a semester in Bologna, Italy. Why study abroad in Bologna?  Siena loves everything Italian: “the fashion, the culture, the language, mostly the food, anything pasta.” Indeed, she was named for the wonderful medieval Tuscan city.  The University of Bologna is the oldest in Europe (dating from 1088), Bologna is the food capital of Italy, and the city is renowned for its red roofs (and former communist inclinations).  Hence, Bologna’s slogan: “La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa.” She is going over early for intensive lessons in Italian and will room with Italians with whom she is determined to speak only in the host language, “unless I’m hopelessly lost.”

We wish Siena buona fortuna on her bellissima avventura!

Americans toss out about 25% more garbage during the holidays. That includes food waste, wrapping paper, packing materials and shopping bags, etc.

To be more sustainable, once the celebrating is over, check out this helpful list of holiday items you can recycle and reuse (and what items should be thrown in the trash).

Reuse

• Bows and ribbons 
• Tissue paper 
• String lights *
• Plastic garlands and wreaths *
• Gift bags 
• Wrapping paper 

* These items can also be donated.

Recycle 

• Brown Kraft wrapping paper
• Cardboard boxes 
• Thin gift boxes 
• Wine and champagne bottles*
• Paper greeting cards with no glitter, foil, metallic ink, etc. 

*Corks cannot be recycled, but wooden corks can be composted!

Trash

• Decorations
• All wrapping paper that cannot be reused (except brown Kraft paper, which can be recycled).
• Confetti, shredded paper, tissue paper*
• Styrofoam (all kinds)
• Tinsel
• Cellophane

*White and brown tissue paper (only) can be composted.

Please note, the Savers store in Newington will close on December 23. We are not sure at this time if they will be relocating in the area.

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: www.Recyclesmartma.org

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE

Sandra Hebert began her full-time employment with the Town of Durham Police Department in 2013. After twelve years of dedicated service, Sandra will retire next week.

Throughout her tenure, Sandra served in the unique and critically important dual role of Parking Enforcement Officer and Evidence Manager. She brought thoughtful, innovative approaches to managing parking in a community with continually shifting supply and demand, helping ensure fairness, efficiency, and accessibility.

As Evidence Manager, Sandra oversaw a transformative period for the department. She led the transition from a small, limited evidence storage space to a modern, state-of-the-art evidence room completed during the 2018 building renovations.

As digital evidence became increasingly prevalent, Sandra implemented best practices for evidence storage and management.  She has written guides used by all officers on the best practices for evidence submission to both the evidence room and the state lab. Her attention to detail and professionalism were instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the department’s evidence system. Her reputation has sent her to numerous agencies throughout not only New Hampshire, but also Massachusetts to audit and guide police departments on evidence management. 

Sandra’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the Durham Police Department and the Town of Durham. She will be greatly missed, and we extend our sincere gratitude for her years of service. We wish Sandra all the best as she begins this next chapter and establishes new roots out of state.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Reminder Winter Break: December 24-January 2: All Oyster River schools will be closed for Winter Break. The SAU office will be closed on December 25-26 and January 1-2.

Kindergarten Registration to Open January 27

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open on January 27, 2026. The registration packet and additional information are available on ORCSD's Kindergarten Registration page HERE.

School News

Season's Greetings from Superintendent Shaps

Superintendent Shaps shares warm wishes with the Oyster River community. "As we approach the winter holidays and look back on 2025, I want to express my gratitude for the strength and resilience of our Oyster River community. In a time when public education faces unprecedented scrutiny and uncertainty nationwide, Oyster River demonstrates what's possible when a community comes together around shared values and a commitment to children." Read the full message HERE.

Elementary Schools Tours & Listening Sessions

Oyster River residents and community members are invited to join Superintendent Shaps, Director of Facilities Dave Totty, and Principals Lowe and Goldsmith at Mast Way and Moharimet schools for guided tours and listening sessions. These school visits will provide information on the Elementary Project proposed expansion and renovations, give you a first-hand look at how our current facilities limit our ability to deliver quality education and services effectively and equitably to all students. For each session listed below, you may attend the guided tour, the listening session, or both. Please register HERE so we can accommodate everyone.

At Mast Way School (23 Mast Rd, Lee)

Tuesday, January 6

Guided Tour: 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Listening Session: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 10

Guided Tour: 9:00- 9:45 a.m.

Listening Session: 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, January 28

Guided Tour: 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Listening Session: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

At Moharimet School (11 Lee Rd, Madbury)

Saturday, January 24

Guided Tour: 9:00- 9:45 a.m.

Listening Session: 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Monday, January 26

Guided Tour: 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Listening Session: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 12

Guided Tour: 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Listening Session: 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Notice of Public Bond & Budget Hearing - January 14, 7:00 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).The Oyster River Cooperative School Board will hold a Public Bond Hearing to discuss and consider incurring indebtedness for the following purpose: To finance renovations and additions at both elementary schools with a Bond Amount of $9,827,000. Immediately following the bond hearing, the Oyster River Cooperative School Board will hold a public budget hearing on the proposed 2026-2027 school budget in the Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

2026 School Board Openings and Warrant Deadline

Individuals wishing to file for a school district opening must do so between Wednesday, 1/21/26, and up until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 1/30/26: one moderator position (1-year term) and two At-Large School Board members for the ensuing three years. There is no filing fee to register for placement on the ballot. Contact School District Clerk Susan Caswell at 603-550-2592 to set up a time to file, or Wendy DiFruscio at the SAU 603-389-3286 to make an appointment.

WARRANT DEADLINE: The deadline for submitting petitioned warrant articles for Session I of the Oyster River School District Annual Meeting is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. All petitioned articles must be submitted in writing, signed by 25 or more registered voters from Durham, Lee, or Madbury and given to a school board member or delivered to the school district office (SAU #5, 36 Coe Drive, Durham). For additional information contact Wendy at the school district office at wdifruscio@orcsd.org, or by calling 603-389-3286.

Coming Events 

Please consider supporting Oyster River students and staff by attending the following exciting events in our schools! Our full calendar of events is available online.

January 12: ORMS/ORHS Jazz Bands and Guitar Ensemble Concert 6:00-7:30 p.m., Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

ORMS Drama Performances (Newsies)

All performances are in the Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

o       January 16, 7:00-3:30p.m.

o       January 17, 2:00-4:40 p.m.

o       January 17, 7:00-8:30p.m.

o       January 18, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

January 20: ORMS 5th Grade Concert 6:00-7:30 p.m., Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

January 29: Moharimet 3rd Grade World Music Concert 6:30-7:30 p.m. Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824)

January 29: ORHS Coffee House 6:00-8:00 p.m., MPR at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Coffee House celebrates the quarterly launch of the award-winning student publication Mouth of the River. The $5 admission can be purchased at the door and is one of MOR's primary fundraising sources. Food and drink are included with admission.