Dateline: May. 31, 2025

On March 11, 2025, 270 voters rejected the more expensive proposed town budget without realizing the chaos that would ensue. Town Administrator John Harrington expressed some frustration because "Out of more than 3,000 registered voters, only 472 came out to vote, and only 187 approved the proposed budget." The worst result was that trash collection would have to cease but the Transfer Station would remain open for other uses.

The major budget increases were due to factors out of the town's control. Employee health insurance increased by $145,380. For the Highway Department, Road Agent Chad Pelissier explained that "the greatest impact was the cost of trash (solid waste disposal). In August 2024 the Selectmen signed a new contract with Casella. This year the cost will be for a full year's service: $470,476. This is a 24.7% increase or about $280 per year for a $400,000 home."

The Fire Dept. budget was misleading as presented. What looked like a huge increase was in reality due to the importing of the Ambulance budget into the Fire Dept. budget. On a preceding budget page, the Ambulance budget was shown as $0.00. The $67,000 actual increase was easily offset by the Revolving Fund whose purpose was to receive insurance payments for ambulance transports.

During several public meetings in March and April, upset residents seemed to be more concerned with retaining trash collection at the expense of cuts to police and fire protection.

At one of those meeting, one well-known resident stated that it was estimated that 40% of the property owners are in mobile home parks, are on private roads, or are businesses and they must pay for private trash disposal. But they had been also paying taxes for the curbside trash disposal they cannot use.

A resident of River Rd. (name withheld) said "We voted for the default budget so we have to accept that. If the voters want to put trash collection back in next year, they will have to figure out how to pay for it."

Sue Hebert of Deerfield Rd. made the following criticism. "I am very disappointed with our selectmen that voted to end trash pickup in town. There were many other options provided by the highway department that would have worked for all residents in town. The selectmen never considered these other options, what the residents wanted or what was best for all of our residents. They chose to ignore residents' comments and concerns. I believe that the default budget should have been shared amongst all our departments. I'll admit that I voted for 2 of the selectmen that were involved in this decision. I will never again vote for them. Their behavior was unacceptable and their actions were not in the best interest of our residents."

Tim and Christi Carlson of Valley St. sent this comment. "My wife and I have owned a home in Allenstown for 15 years, and taxes have increased exponentially since then. Casella has raised their prices as well. With that being said, the portion of town tax for trash removal needs to be deducted from our property tax and someone needs to be held accountable for the poor fiscal management of our town so that we don't all lose our homes."

After reviewing several options for trash disposal, the Selectmen issued a public notice at https://www.allenstownnh.gov/home/news/trash-collection-options.

"On April 14th, 2025, the Board of Selectman voted to cease all trash pick-up services as of May 17th, 2025. We understand that many residents are left wondering how their trash be disposed of after May 17th. Fortunately, there are several options for all Allenstown residents regarding trash pick-up services and we have conveniently placed them in a document that relays important information such as contact information, pricing, website links, and more - all available at your fingertips without the hassle of having to dig for information."

A separate page included details on five local trash disposal vendors whose rates ranged from $34.25 to $49 per month for weekly service. Compare that to the preceding budget estimate of $280 per year for a $400,000 home which is about $23.33 per month. Voting against the proposed budget may have backfired and resulted in increased costs to residents.

The good news is that the Transfer Station will remain open to residents on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and several hours on Saturday for brush, leaves, grass clippings, scrap metal, scrap electronics, and occasional chit-chat with people you meet. A schedule of fees is posted on the Highway Dept. web page for items like appliances, furniture, and TV monitors. Fees must be paid in advance at Town Hall.

Residents will have to also apply at Town Hall for a new Municipal Sticker to gain access to the Transfer Station and to the Boat Launch at the end of Ferry St. These locations are limited to town residents.

What You Can Do

Go to the Trash Collection Options document to review the vendors recommended by the Select Board.