News Flash

The year 2025 was a period of significant transformation and resilience for our county. While we navigated a unique set of challenges—ranging from complex legal matters to the management of aging infrastructure—our focus remained steadfast on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and modernization.

By working together, we have not only stabilized our operations but have laid a strong foundation for the future. From achieving a "clean" financial audit with no findings to digitizing half a century of records and overhauling our IT systems, we have modernized how Carroll County serves you. This progress is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated county employees, who continue to find creative ways to improve efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of public service.

This year presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Our department heads and their teams worked together with a shared purpose, overcoming every obstacle to ensure that Carroll County excelled. They serve as vigilant watchdogs for the county tax dollar, constantly seeking ways to lower the burden on our taxpayers while improving the quality of our services. The progress we have made is a direct result of this collaborative spirit.

We invite you to review the highlights of this past year. Please contact our office for a complete list of accomplishments or with any questions you may have.

Carroll County Commissioners ~ Charles McGee, Harold B. Parker, Gene Chandler

Carroll County: 2025 Year in Review

Fiscal Responsibility & Governance

• Clean Financial Record: Successfully completed the 2024 financial audit with zero findings and maintained timely bank reconciliations for all accounts.

• Smart Debt Management: Secured and paid off the 2025 TAN note on schedule and in full compliance with NH RSA.

• Strategic Budgeting: Developed the 2026 budget with a modest 3% increase while prioritizing long-term capital investments.

• Increased Revenue: Negotiated higher per-day boarder rates for the jail with Rockingham and Strafford counties.

• Enhanced Oversight: Implemented a new "Budget vs. Actual" weekly reporting practice to ensure real-time fiscal transparency.

• Cost Savings: Utilized the State of NH bid list for significant savings on equipment and supplies.

Infrastructure & Public Works

• Facility Improvements: Replaced the Jail roof, repaired the Annex roof, and completed extensive paving projects across the county complex.

• Water System Modernization: Replaced the Route 28 water main, updated all village fire hydrants, and installed new residential and county building meters.

• Strategic Land Management: Partnered with UNH Extension for a renewed forest management plan and implemented a hayfield regeneration strategy.

• Sustainability Initiatives: Appointed a Solar Committee and approved an RFP for the county’s first solar array.

• FEMA Projects: Completed the Danfield Road project to secure access to the communications tower and water system.

• Surplus Efficiency: Cleared tons of old equipment and scrap metal, offering items to the community or recycling them in the most cost-efficient manner.

Modernization & Technology

• Massive Records Project: Completed a 5-year project to sort and digitize 50 years of files, eliminating over 100 bulky file cabinets and modernizing access.

• IT System Overhaul: Promoted a new IT Director and completed a total overhaul of the county's digital infrastructure.

• Software Upgrades: Awarded contracts for modern finance software (MTS), electronic records management, and new Registry of Deeds technology.

• Operational Efficiency: Transitioned to electronic weekly manifest approvals and moved away from cell phone reimbursements to county-issued devices.

Public Safety & Health

• Jail Operations: Negotiated the 2026–2029 Jail Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and successfully passed all PREA and DOJ jail inspections.

• Community Safety: Hosted specialized police and K9 trainings, as well as workshops on deed fraud and right-to-know laws.

• Health Services: Awarded new mental health contracts (CCHOC) and secured state approval for the Mountain View Continuum (MVC) laundry facility expansion.

• Opioid Response: Completed all opioid settlement and grant reporting accurately and on time.

Employee Excellence & Community

• Staff Support: Launched the "County Cupboard," a campus resource center for employees, and hosted a county-wide Wellness Fair.

• Workforce Development: Conducted extensive outreach through job fairs and school visits to promote Carroll County employment.

• Enhanced Training: Provided new training opportunities across all departments, including onsite nurse training.

• Culture of Appreciation: Celebrated staff longevity, life-saving actions at the jail, and named the Executive Director as "Employee of the Year."

• Community Partnerships: Leased blueberry fields to the local Boy Scouts and continued providing space for the inmate bike technician certificate program.

Looking Forward

• Capital Planning: Adopted the county's first comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan to guide infrastructure investments for years to come.

• Continued Transparency: Released volumes of non-public meeting minutes and established new committees to study agency staffing and incentives.

• Stable Leadership: Maintained a full Board of Commissioners and expanded the finance team with a new Senior Staff Accountant.

Carroll County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the submission of its proposed 2026 Operating Budget and the comprehensive 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to the County Delegation for review and approval.

💰 Proposed 2026 Operating Budget

The proposed 2026 Operating Budget reflects the Commissioners' commitment to fiscal responsibility while ensuring essential county services are maintained.

• Key Detail: The proposed budget represents a modest 3% increase over the current 2025 approved budget.

• Commissioners' Goal: The increase is focused on addressing necessary operational costs and minimal service expansions while prioritizing efficiency and stability for county taxpayers.

🏗️ Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

In addition to the operating budget, the Commissioners have completed and forwarded the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

• This long-range plan outlines necessary investments in county infrastructure, facilities, and equipment over the next six years.

• The CIP ensures strategic, planned spending for major projects to avoid unexpected costs and maintain the county's assets.

🗓️ Next Step: Delegation Public Hearing

The County Delegation will now hold a public hearing to review and receive input on the proposed budget and CIP.

The public is strongly encouraged to attend this hearing to learn more about the proposals and offer comments.The proposed budget is available for download hereThe 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan is available for download here

OSSIPEE, NH – October 10, 2025 – Mountain View Community and the wider County organization today proudly announced that two dedicated staff members, Nursing Home Receptionist Jillian Berry and County Executive Director Mellisa Seamans, have been recognized with the two most prestigious staff awards: Nursing Home Employee of the Year and County Employee of the Year, respectively. This dual recognition highlights exceptional service and leadership across both the frontline and strategic organizational levels, celebrating an honor for Ms. Seamans that was a long time coming.

Mellisa Seamans, County Executive Director and Winner of County Employee of the Year, was recognized for her extraordinary leadership, steady instincts, and role as a major resource and go-to person for the entire organization. Known for her strong communication skills and clear insights, Ms. Seamans works tirelessly to create a viable bridge and sense of teamwork across departments, significantly improving internal culture and morale. Her strong project management skills allow her to effectively track the multitude of anticipated, current, and prospective projects, expertly managing associated tasks and deadlines. Furthermore, her efforts have resulted in the securing of a wide array of crucial grant funding for the county. Most notably, when the county faced the sudden vacancy of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mellisa "hit the ground running," stepping up to provide critical leadership and guidance to the department while ensuring sound fiscal management continued uninterrupted.

Jillian Berry, Nursing Home Receptionist and Winner of Nursing Home Employee of the Year, at Mountain View Community in Ossipee, received her award for her remarkable versatility and unwavering dedication. Nicknamed the "Vice President of First Impressions" by the Administrator, Ms. Berry’s warm smile and welcoming demeanor immediately set a positive tone for all who enter the facility. She is not merely a receptionist but a "Jill of all trades," consistently going above and beyond to support staff, assist visitors, and take on new responsibilities. Her ability to handle every challenge with grace, thoroughness, and a "can-do spirit" makes her an invaluable and beloved member of the nursing home family.

“We are exceptionally proud to celebrate these two outstanding individuals who represent the pinnacle of public service,” said County Commissioner Chairman Chuck McGee. “Mellisa’s strategic leadership and tireless dedication to building teamwork drive us forward. Meanwhile, Jillian’s versatility and compassionate first impressions earn her the Nursing Home Employee of the Year title, touching individual lives every single day. They both set an inspiring standard for commitment to our community.”

The two honorees were celebrated at a surprise reception on September 16, where they officially received their awards and recognition.