Friday Updates - January 9, 2026

Friday, January 9, 2026

This morning's sunrise over the Oyster River. Courtesy, Ginny Beckett

Warmer temperatures this week are giving us a false sense of spring!

The NE Patriots are doing well this season and have a chance to make the Super Bowl on February 8th. If that comes to pass, Durham and UNH will collaborate to ensure a safe experience downtown, win or lose.

The 2026 Recycling Collection Calendar is available HERE.

JANUARY 12 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS

• Recognizing the outstanding work of the Durham Housing Task Force
• Approval of an abatement for CDC New Hampshire LLC
• Approval of new site lease agreement with T-Mobile for 100 Durham Point Road
• Approval of the appointment of Christopher Smith to the Energy Committee
• Approval of the appointment of Emma Hollander to the Planning Board
• Presentation by Dr. Robert Shaps on the ORCSD FY 2026/27 Budget Process
• Begin discussion of the Administrator's annual review process 

YEAR END WRAP UP FOR 2025 - Annual Message from Admin. Todd Selig

2025 was a year of both meaningful progress and mounting challenges for the Town of Durham. Town staff, along with elected and appointed officials, remained focused on transparency, integrity, respect, a welcoming atmosphere, fair elections, high-quality service delivery, and continuous improvement. At the same time, the community entered a more complex fiscal environment, with slowing development, rising costs, and pressure on both municipal and UNH budgets that will require difficult choices in the years ahead.

The Town’s financial position remains fundamentally sound, with strong management practices and stable reserves. The FY 2026 budget process, however, has been among the most difficult in many years, driven by expiring collective bargaining agreements, projected health insurance increases, general cost inflation, reduced interest earnings, and requests for additional staffing in several departments. The one-time use of approximately $420,000 in undesignated fund balance to help stabilize the FY 2025 tax rate cannot be repeated indefinitely, underscoring the urgency of broadening the tax base and managing spending carefully.  Several large capital projects have increased debt service, making it ever more challenging to maintain a stable tax rate in the years ahead.  

Economic development and tax-base diversification remained priorities, although it was met in many cases with concern from residents desirous of protecting Durham’s natural resources and sustainability goals, as well as the New England small town character of our community. The Town Council, Administrator, Planning Board, and Housing Task Force continued to promote taxable business development in the commercial core and at key sites such as Technology Drive and Stone Quarry Drive, while working closely with UNH on potential projects at The Edge at West End and 66 Main Street. A successful innovation district such as The Edge at West End would leverage UNH’s research strengths to spark new partnerships and entrepreneurship while supporting downtown businesses and helping to moderate mounting future tax pressures on residents.

On the capital side, Durham continued to invest in critical infrastructure and multimodal transportation. Phase 2 of the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project between Main Street and Garrison Avenue reached substantial completion, and Phase 3 between Garrison Avenue and Edgewood Road moved into active construction, with completion expected in summer 2026. Durham Public Works is also working to secure over $1.8 million in Transportation Alternatives Program funding to construct a multi-use path along Madbury Road, in conjunction with parallel Phase 4A and 4B improvement projects, from Edgewood Road to beyond Route 4 at Pendexter Road interconnecting with a new NHDOT roundabout at Route 4, improving safety and connectivity for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.  

The Town’s shoreline and stormwater resilience agenda advanced significantly. Building on earlier National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and U.S. EPA grants, Durham Public Works and its consultant completed design, permitting, and bid documents for Wagon Hill Farm Phase 2 shoreline improvements. Scheduled for bid award in late-2025 and construction in 2026, the project will stabilize eroding tidal marsh and upland slopes, rebuild marsh habitat, install a new trail and fencing, and construct a trail bridge, protecting both natural resources and public access.

The rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the historic Bickford-Chesley House at Wagon Hill Farm also moved forward. With support from LCHIP ($286,600), Moose Plate grants, and local capital funding from undesignated fund balance, plans call for a rental or caretaker’s apartment on the second floor, public exhibit and meeting space on the first floor, and safe, code-compliant three-season use of the barn. The Bickford-Chesley House Gallery is anticipated to host rotating exhibits on Durham’s history and local artists, honoring the site’s Indigenous and agricultural heritage while expanding cultural and educational opportunities for residents.  At the heart of the project is addressing long-deferred repairs and maintenance for this historic property within the Town’s inventory in order to protect it for future generations.  

Durham’s long-term water, wastewater, and stormwater partnership with UNH remains an important asset for both Durham and the University alike. Through the joint administrative Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, and Roads Committee, the Town and UNH continued to manage the combined water system, address water quality concerns in the Great Bay Estuary, meet Total Nitrogen General Permit and MS-4 stormwater requirements, and coordinate on infrastructure such as the Lee water line. Together with the new (2020) UNH-funded water treatment plant and the jointly funded Lamprey River–Spruce Hole Aquifer artificial recharge system, these efforts place the community in a strong position to manage future drought, growth, and climate-related pressures on water resources.

Climate and sustainability work continued to be integrated into everyday municipal practice. In 2025, the Town worked toward final adoption of the 2025–2030 Climate Action Plan, reaffirming goals of a 42.8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2019 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Staff improved greenhouse gas inventory planning by tracking local heat pump installations and growth in electric and hybrid vehicle registrations, which now represent a larger share of Durham’s vehicle registrations versus just a few years ago.

Durham Public Works moves ever closer toward a volume-based, standardized solid waste and recycling cart collection system, targeted for implementation in 2026. This work, involving a close partnership with the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee, included evaluating outsourced collection options and securing an extension of the DERA electric vehicle grant (should the Town ultimately move toward an EV collection vehicle), preserving flexibility as the Town selects the most cost-effective and sustainable path forward. Once in place, the program is expected to reduce per-household waste generation, support higher recycling rates, and improve worker safety through automated collection.

Housing policy remained a key focus area. Building on the 2024 Housing Needs Assessment and the adoption of the Attainable Housing Overlay District, the Housing Task Force and Planning Board developed zoning amendments to expand housing opportunities, diversify housing types, and enable higher density where appropriate. A comprehensive rewrite of the Conservation Subdivision ordinance is underway to make it more user-friendly, less burdensome, and better aligned with both conservation and attainable housing objectives.

Public safety operations experienced continued staffing and labor-market pressures. Recruitment and retention challenges in both the Fire and Police Departments, driven by retirements, medical leaves, and competition from other communities, has been a major focus of collective bargaining in 2025–2026 as three contracts -- firefighters, middle managers, and public works/AFSCME -- come up for renewal. The Fire Department pursued a major grant application for replacement SCBA equipment to enhance firefighter safety, while the Police Department prepared for and successfully completed a full CALEA reaccreditation review cycle, affirming Durham’s commitment to national best practices in policing.

Long-term planning for emergency services facilities continued in coordination with UNH. While the UNH Master Plan identifies “B-Lot” as a preferred future location for the fire station and possible adaptive reuse of existing buildings, neither the Town nor the University currently has funding to move a new facility forward. In the interim, the Fire Department is working with designers on targeted renovations to the existing College Road station location within the UNH General Services Building to improve living, training, and workspaces so the department can effectively operate in its current location for the next decade.

Parks & Recreation and Durham Public Library once again played important roles in supporting community well-being and connection. Traditional community-wide events such as Durham Day and the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event, combined with classes, low-impact athletic and wellness programming, and intergenerational activities were planned in order to provide residents with diverse recreational and educational opportunities. At the same time, land stewardship work under the Land Stewardship Coordinator and the Land Stewardship Subcommittee continued to improve management of Town-owned lands, trail systems, and conservation easements.

The Human Rights Commission developed educational materials on residents’ rights in relation to federal immigration enforcement, and the Business Office updated forms and policies to be inclusive of non-binary gender options. An Arts Commission for Durham has been proposed for consideration by the Town Council Chair to further enhance cultural life and provide additional opportunities for civic engagement.

Durham’s cooperative relationship with UNH and neighboring communities continued to be an area of focus. Regular coordination with UNH leadership addressed issues ranging from transportation and off-campus housing to economic development and shared infrastructure. Discussions with Madbury about potential shared fire and business office services, along with active participation in state-level policy debates in Concord concerning issues surrounding off-campus student housing, reflected Durham’s commitment to regional collaboration and the defense of the practice of local control.

Town-wide communication and civic engagement remained robust. The weekly “Friday Updates” continued to expand its subscriber base and function as a central platform for municipal information and emergency communications. The Town’s website and social media presence are being refreshed and modernized to improve accessibility, navigation, and online service delivery, meeting residents where they are and encouraging informed participation.  Look for improvements in 2026.  

All of this work is accomplished by a modest but mighty team of municipal employees in public works, police, fire, planning, zoning, the town clerk/tax collector’s office, the business office, information technology, DCAT, and other departments. These professionals, together with a thoughtful and dedicated Town Council and an engaged network of citizen volunteers serving on boards, committees, and commissions, as well as an active and engaged citizenry, ensure that Durham remains a strong, vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking community despite fiscal and operational headwinds.

PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN COLLEGES & TOWNS HIGHLIGHTED IN ARTICLE ABOUT MAINE'S COLBY COLLEGE AND THE CITY OF WATERVILLE

Colby College is drawing attention for a years-long effort to help revitalize downtown Waterville, where the college has invested millions of dollars to bring new life to Main Street and the surrounding area. A recent article was published online and can be accessed HERE.

This story highlights how strategic partnerships, new developments, and support for local businesses have transformed once-vacant storefronts into a more vibrant commercial district. It also explores the broader impact of this work on the community, including economic growth, new jobs, and a renewed sense of pride in Waterville’s future.

At this time the University of New Hampshire and the Town of Durham have been working closely together on the future of The Edge at West End and 66 Main Street, which both Town and Gown hope will serve to be a positive catalyst for the collective community. Read more about The Edge at West End in this NH Business Review 2023 article HERE.

PUBLIC HEARINGS ON BUILDING HEIGHTS TO BE HELD THIS WEDNESDAY AT THE PLANNING BOARD MEETING

The Planning Board is holding two public hearings this Wednesday, January 14, related to building height in the Central Business-1 District downtown. The board will also discuss zoning amendments driven by recent state legislation and proposed new regulations related to charging stations for electric vehicles (time permitting). You can see the board’s agenda HERE. 

PROPERTY TAX BILLS DUE JANUARY 12, 2026

Durham’s Property Tax payments are due on Monday, January 12, 2026. 

The Clerk–Collector’s Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on Wednesdays.

Payments may be made online (fees apply), in person, or by mail. The Town of Durham accepts check, cash, or debit/ credit cards (fees apply for any card). A 24-hour drop box is also available for your convenience (please note: no cash may be left in the drop box).

For more information, please visit: www.ci.durham.nh.us/clerk

Durham's Town Clerk/Tax Collector Rachel Deane wrote an article for New Hampshire Municipal Association's monthly newsletter, Town & City, on the "Hidden Value of a Closed Business Day." In the article Rachel lays out the savings and costs of the increase in digital transactions for her office and how a day closed to the public helps the staff manage their workload. You can read the article HERE.

Boat decals for the 2026 season are now available at the Town Clerk’s Office. When renewing your boat registration, please be sure to bring a photo ID along with either your boat renewal notices or your previous boat registration.

If the boat owner is unable to come in person, the individual registering the boat must submit the signed renewal notice from the owner.

Important: If you choose to register your boat at the Durham Town Clerk’s Office, please remember to add an additional $5.00 per boat to the amount listed on your renewal form.

Please note that boat renewal notices are not sent by the Durham Town Clerk’s Office. Renewal notices are mailed each winter by the New Hampshire DMV.

The Durham Town Clerk’s Office is happy to help you get ready for a smooth and enjoyable 2026 boating season! 

POSITIONS OPEN FOR MARCH 10, 2026, TOWN ELECTION - Filing period begins Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The 2025 Town Election will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Oyster River High School, Multipurpose Room, Coe Drive, Durham, N.H. The polling hours are 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Candidates interested in running for Town office should file their declaration at the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office starting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 8:00 am, through Friday, January 30, 2026, until 5:00 pm.

• Three positions for Town Councilor (3-year term)
• One position for Town Councilor (2-year term)
• Two positions for Durham Public Library Board of Trustees (3-year terms)
• One position for Moderator (2-year term)
• One position for Supervisor of the Checklist (6-year term)
• One position for Town Clerk/Tax Collector (3-year term)
• One position for Town Treasurer (3-year term)
• One position for Trustee of the Trust Fund (3-year term) 

INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR TOWN COUNCIL? - Here is what you need to know.

In order to run for the position of Town Councilor, you must:

• Be a registered voter in Durham, NH - Only registered voters of the Town are eligible to hold office.
• Candidates must meet New Hampshire voter registration requirements (U.S. citizenship and be at least 18 years old by election day).
• Meet the residency requirement - You must have been a resident of Durham for at least 90 days immediately preceding the election and remain a resident throughout your term. Moving out of Durham during your term makes you ineligible to continue serving.
• Not be a full-time or regular employee of the Town of Durham.
• There are no campaign finance restrictions or requirements.

Town Council elections are nonpartisan; party affiliation does not appear on the ballot. Newly elected Councilors take office on the Monday in March following the election. Council meetings are generally held the first and third Monday evenings of the month. Town Councilors have 3-year terms. For more information and to access a Declaration Form, please click HERE, or email kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us.

PLEASE NOTE: This year there is a Councilor opening for a 2-year term due to the unexpected death of Councilor Eric Lund. When filing your Declaration Form, please indicate whether you are running for a 3-year term Council position or the 2-year term Council position.

Crommet Creek on a cold winter's day. Courtesy, John Parsons

REGISTER TO VOTE BEFORE THE ORCSD DELIBERATIVE SESSION AND TOWN ELECTION

The Supervisors of the Checklist have scheduled a session for registration or changes to registration on Tuesday January 20, 2026, from 6:15 – 7:30 PM at the Durham Town Hall. A new checklist will be printed within a few days after that. 

This is the Checklist that will be used at the ORCSD Deliberative Session on Tuesday February 3, so be sure to register by January 20 if you wish to have a vote at that meeting. Durham residents may NOT register at the Deliberative Session, and you MUST be registered in order to vote that night. The current checklist is updated up until November 13, 2025. There is a copy of this checklist in the Clerk’s office and in the foyer of the Town Hall, or you can check app.sos.nh.gov/voterinformation.

You may also register to vote any time before or after January 20 in the Town Clerk’s office whenever they are open until about 10 days before the March 10 Town/School Election. There will also be at least one more Supervisor Session before that date.

Applicants for registration must bring with them proofs of identity, age (18 by the next election), U.S. citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Affidavits are no longer accepted. The list of proofs currently accepted, especially for domicile, is rather complicated. A NH Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s License with your local address is the easiest thing to bring for identification, age, and proof of domicile in Durham. However, it does not prove citizenship, even if it is a Real ID, so you must bring another document for that.  Passport, birth certificate with your current name, or naturalization papers are the best proofs for citizenship. However, if you have voted before in New Hampshire, that will suffice as long as your name can be found on the Statewide Voter Checklist. If you are unsure of what paperwork is necessary and what will be accepted, please call the Clerk’s office at 603-868-5577 or check the Secretary of State’s website https://app.sos.nh.gov/voterinformation and click on the link ‘Registering to Vote in New Hampshire.’

Once again, the Town of Durham is excited to host the Top Dog Raffle, a fun way to encourage timely dog licensing. All dogs licensed before April 30 are automatically entered to win. The lucky Top Dog will receive a gift basket donated by the Clerk’s Office, and their pup’s biography will be proudly featured in a future Durham Friday Update.

Congratulations to Mia Slama, our 2025 Top Dog Winner! Mia wore the crown with pride last year and wants to remind all her dog friends that it’s time to update their bling for 2026.

Dog licenses for 2026 are now available and may be obtained:

• Online via the Online Dog License system
• By mail, Town Hall drop box, or in person at the Durham Town Clerk–Tax Collector’s Office
• 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824

Friendly reminder: The Town Clerk’s Office is closed on Wednesdays.

License fees remain the same:

• $7.50 for altered dogs
• $10.00 for unaltered dogs
• $2.00 for senior citizen dog owners

For more information about dog licensing or the Top Dog Raffle, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office.

HOW SIGNIFICANT WAS DURHAM’S ROLE IN THE START OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR?

Please join the Durham Historic Association on Saturday, January 24th at 2pm in the Town Council Chambers to find out! Thomas F. Kehr, Revolutionary War historian will present his latest research into the local events that precipitated the start of the American Revolution shedding new light on past scholarship.

Thomas Kehr is the former president, historian and member of the New Hampshire Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Through his efforts in 2000, the National Society, Sons of the American Revolution officially recognized participation in the raids on Fort William and Mary as American Revolutionary War service. Mr. Kehr achieved his J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law and his BA in History from the University of New Hampshire. He actively engages in research, writing and lecturing on New Hampshire during the early Revolution. He is also known for his first-person portrayals of John Langdon, appointed ‘Agent of Maine’ on the Piscataqua by the Continental Congress, and later Senator and Governor of New Hampshire. This presentation promises to be a fascinating look at what really happened and who the players were.

This lecture is the first in a series of presentations by the Durham Historic Association recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) held the residential Christmas tree pickup this past week.  As noted in last week’s Friday Updates, the trees will be kept at the transfer station until this Saturday, January 10. Scout Troop 154 will then transport the collected trees from the transfer station to Hickory Nut Farm in Lee, where they will serve as a food source for the goats living on the farm.

If you missed the DPW Christmas tree pick up, you are welcome to bring your tree to the farm anytime.  Please be sure that all ornaments, tinsel, etc. have been removed from the tree. No chemically sprayed trees please. 

Hickory Nut Farm is located at:

22 York Lane

Lee, NH 03861. 

***As you turn onto the farm’s u-shaped driveway, you will see a pile of Christmas trees you can add your tree to.

BENEFITS 

By providing a food source for the goats, the farm can cut back on having to purchase expensive hay during the winter months.

PLUS 

You will be keeping your tree from ending up in a burn pile. Hickory Nut Farm will take as many Christmas trees as they can get! 

To learn more about this small, family owned and operated farm, please click HERE.

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

All of the rain and snow that falls in Durham eventually flows downstream to Great Bay (and Little Bay) and then out to the Atlantic Ocean via the Piscataqua River. As shown in the map below, different parts of Durham are situated variously in the Oyster River, Lower Lamprey River, and Piscassic River watersheds, and one area flows directly, or through smaller streams, into the bay. Thus, throughout town, virtually everything that we do on the land ultimately affects the health of Great Bay (and Little Bay, often identified as the channel situated north of Adams Point).

Here are a few simple practices that residents can follow at home in order to mitigate impacts upon water quality and wildlife habitat and to strengthen the resilience of our community:

• Maintain natural vegetation along streams and shorelines;
• Reduce or avoid the use of lawn fertilizers and pesticides;
• Avoid emptying any pollutants (like motor oil!) onto the ground or into storm drains;
• Help to slow the movement of stormwater (which allows for better treatment of runoff) with rain barrels, rain gardens, and permeable surfaces.

For more information, take a look at the State of Our Estuaries Report by the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Project (PREP) HERE.

RIDE THE DOWNEASTER FOR $26 IN JANUARY OF 2026!

Amtrak Downeaster is offering a special round-trip ticket price of $26 for January of 2026. Book a trip in January and ride from Brunswick to Boston or any station in between at a discounted price.

• Valid for coach seating only
• 3-Day advance reservation is required
• Use promo code V530
• Not combinable with any other discount
• Select “Adult” to receive discount. The discounted price will reflect once added to cart.
• If you are traveling with children, select “Adult.” When prompted for a date of birth, enter the adult traveler’s birthday.
• Offer not valid on trains: 680, 692, 686, 696.

Valid for Sale: 12/15/2025 – 1/28/2026

Valid for Travel: 1/1/2026 – 1/31/2026

Click HERE to buy tickets.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Scheduled January School Closures

January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights Day

January 26: Teacher Workshop Day

Tax Impact Information for Elementary Project

Tax impact information is now available regarding the proposed capital plan for Mast Way and Moharimet elementary schools. Tax impact by town based on a 3.44% interest rate, the projected increase per $1,000 of assessed value is:

Year 1

Durham: $0.06

Lee: $0.11

Madbury: $0.07

Year 2

Durham: $0.31

Lee: $0.59

Madbury: $0.37

Year 1 reflects interest-only payments, while Year 2 includes both principal and interest, which is why the second year shows a higher impact. 

LEARN MORE: The ORCSD invites you to attend one of its upcoming school tours and listening sessions to see firsthand the facility challenges we're addressing. Complete information and registration are available HERE.

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.