NEWS, UPDATES, & NOTICES

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TOWN HALL CLEANING SERVICE: Interest or Referrals Welcome

The Town of Surry is seeking an individual or service to clean the Town Hall twice per month.

Interested parties should submit inquiries and qualifications to the Surry Select Board at:  selectmen@surry.nh.gov

This is a paid, ongoing service position. Additional details will be provided upon request.

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SELECT BOARD: 2026/2027 Goals and Objectives

As part of our preparation for the March Town Meeting, the Select Board has begun developing its priorities and objectives for the March 2026–March 2027 planning cycle.

Following the 2026 Town Meeting, the plan will be reviewed and adjusted to reflect the meeting’s decisions, then reviewed throughout the year to track progress and updated as new information, priorities, or unforeseen opportunities or events arise.

The following link will take you to the planning document:  Projects and Goals 2026-2027

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TOWN SIGNS PURCHASE AGREEMENT:  New Wildland Brush Truck

The Town of Surry has signed a purchase agreement for a new brush truck for the Surry Fire Department. The new apparatus will be a Skeeter NWCG Type 5 Full Rescue Side Wildland Engine.  Specification highlights include: Built on a Ford F-550 4×4 chassis, carries 400 gallons of water, 10 gallons of firefighting foam, 600 feet of hose, and pumps water at 200 gpm@ 100 psi with pump-and-roll capability. 

A Type 5 wildland engine is specifically designed for brush and woodland fires, as well as off-road and remote response situations common in rural communities like Surry. This new apparatus will strengthen the department’s ability to respond safely and effectively for many years to come. Delivery is estimated to be late 2027

The current brush truck has served the community for 47 years. After decades of dependable service, it had reached a point where replacement was necessary to ensure continued reliability and safe emergency response.

The total cost of the new truck is $373,153. The Surry Fire Department, however, secured a grant through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which will cover $288,285 of the purchase price. The remaining balance ($84,868) will be paid from funds saved in the Fire Department’s Capital Reserve Fund, meaning that there will be no impact on local property taxes as a result of this purchase.

Much of the work to secure the FEMA grant was completed by Fire Engineer Jason Contrady, whose efforts were instrumental in making this purchase and many other fire department grants received over the years.

We appreciate the Fire Department’s continued planning and commitment to responsible equipment replacement.

A sketch of the new truck can be viewed here: Surry FD – F550 Reg Cab 60CA – 114 Full Rescue Side – 1-27-26

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PLANNING BOARD:  Zoning Ordinance Review

Building on the work completed during the 2025 Master Plan process — including public meetings, workshops, and the town-wide survey — the Surry Planning Board is beginning a detailed review of Surry’s Zoning Ordinance. The review is intended to ensure the ordinance reflects community input, aligns with the Master Plan, and uses clear, modern, and enforceable language that complies with New Hampshire law.

The Planning Board meets once a month on the third Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Surry Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend and observe as the Board works its way through the ordinance section by section.

The first sections under review are Article IV – Districts and Article V – Table of Use Regulations.

The Board now publishes meeting agendas on the Town website in advance of each meeting so residents can see what will be discussed. For those unable to attend in person, approved meeting minutes are posted on the Town website after each meeting. Links to agendas and meeting minutes can be found on the Town website under Land Boards – Planning & ZBA

The Planning Board has also created a dedicated email address to improve communication with residents. Questions or comments are welcome at planningboard@surry.nh.gov.

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SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: Joint Meeting with Select Board

The School Board will meet with the Select Board on March 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall to review and discuss the Surry Charter School Renovation and Compliance Project.

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SELECT BOARD MEETING: Joint Meeting with the School Board

The Select Board will meet with the School Board on March 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall to review and discuss the Surry Charter School Renovation and Compliance Project.

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PUBLIC NOTICE: 2026 Annual Town Meeting – Surry, NH

The 2026 Surry Town Meeting schedule, along with links to the Warrant and Proposed Town Budget are provided below. Residents are encouraged to review the Warrant and Proposed Budget in advance.

Town Meeting Schedule

Ballot Voting:  Tuesday, March 10, from 2:00–7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall

Business Session:  Thursday, March 12, beginning at 7:30 p.m. (following the School Board Annual Meeting at 7:00 p.m.)

Links to the Warrant and Proposed Town Budget

Warrant – 2026

Proposed Budget – 2026

Please check the Town website regularly for updates and additional information about the Town Meeting.

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TOWN MEETINGS MATTER: Mark your Calendar

Town Meeting is one of the most important civic events in Surry each year. It is where registered voters come together and act as the Town’s legislative body to make key decisions about our community.

In Surry’s traditional Town Meeting, registered voters first cast ballots on Tuesday, March 10, between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall to elect town officials and vote on zoning changes. Then on Thursday, March 12, the Town will meet at 7:00 p.m. for the Surry School Board Annual Meeting, followed by the Annual Town Meeting at 7:30 p.m., where the results of the ballot votes are shared, and residents ask questions and take part in discussion before additional votes are taken on the Town budget, funding requests, and other miscellaneous warrant articles.

Town Meeting is a direct form of local self-government. It is one of the few places where citizens both vote and speak on the issues that affect local services, taxes, and the future of the community. Your participation helps ensure these decisions reflect the will of the people who live here. 

Make it a priority and mark your calendar.

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REGISTERING TO VOTE: What are My Options

If you have not already done so, you are encouraged to register so you may vote in the 2026 Town Election and Town Meeting.

You may register to vote in advance with the Town Clerk or at the Supervisors of the Checklist held before the election. If this is your first time registering, please remember to bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of residency.  For more information, go to: Register to Vote | New Hampshire Secretary of State.

Town Clerk Hours

• Mondays: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Thursdays: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Supervisors of the Checklist Meeting

• February 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Town Hall. 
• This will be the last opportunity to register to vote before Election Day.

Registering on Election Day – If you miss the advance registration period, you may still register in person at the polling place. Please remember to bring the required documentation.

• Election Day: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
• Location: Town Hall
• Voting Hours: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

 Registering by Absentee

If you meet the State’s qualifications and are unable to register in person, you may be eligible to register by absentee (by mail). Information and instructions are available from the Secretary of State’s Office: https://www.sos.nh.gov/elections/register-vote

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ABSENTEE BALLOT VOTING: What if I’m Unable to Vote in Person

 If you are unable to vote in person on Town Meeting day, New Hampshire law allows you to vote by absentee ballot under certain circumstances.

To vote by absentee ballot, you must be a registered voter and complete an Absentee Ballot Application, returning it to the Town Clerk with the required proof of identity as noted on the form.  

The following state resources provide eligibility requirements and step-by-step instructions:

General Information: Absentee Ballots

Absentee Ballot: Absentee Ballot Application – Local Election

Voters using this option are encouraged to apply early to allow time for processing and mailing.

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DECLARED CANDIDATES: ELECTED POSITIONS

• Select Board   3-year term (John Croteau III)
• Tax Collector  3-year term (Sharon Sweeney)
• Town Clerk   3-year term (Christina Hammond)
• Town Treasurer   3-year term (John Berglund)
• Town Auditor  1-year term (Open)
• Trustees of the Trust Funds   3-year term (Susan Farrell)
• Cemetery Trustees   3-year term (Kim Fisher)
• Cemetery Trustees   2-year term (Open)
• Planning Board   3-year term (Matthew Goodwin)
• Planning Board   2-year term (Laryssa Hiller)
• Supervisor of Checklist   6-year term (Sabrina Contrady)
• Budget Committee   3-year term (Open)
• Fire Engineers  3-year term (Joshua Brooks)
• School Board 3-year term (Caroll Lothrop)
• School Board 3-year term (Tim Peloquin)

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Please join the Reed Free Library Board of Trustees in welcoming Kelly Reeves as our new Library Director. Kelly has been a resident of Surry for more than 12 years. Her involvement with the library started early on with participation in the book club and led to her becoming a member of the board of trustees.

Her educational background is in business, with a master’s degree in Human Resources. Most recently, her work experience has been as a paralegal. She loves books and reading and has a variety of other interests, including animals and hiking (she completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, among other trails).

Please stop by the library and say hello. The library is open on Mondays from 3 pm until 6 pm (same hours as the town clerk) and Saturdays from 9 am until 12 noon (new hours starting February 7).

 

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MUNICIPAL AGENT FEES 2026: Vehicle Registration & Title Fee Adjustments

Beginning January 1, 2026, municipal agent service fees in New Hampshire will increase. This adjustment affects vehicle registrations, title services, and related transactions. The updated fees are set by state law to help cover administrative costs and ensure continued service at your local town or city clerk’s office.

The new fees include $35 for new or duplicate titles and $40 for distinctive titles or VIN issuance. The fee increases will apply to residents who renew registrations or request title services in 2026.

The following link will take you to a complete listing of the 2026 Municipal Agent Fee Schedule Fee Updates – Effective Jan 2026. 

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BUILDING PERMITS & CODES: Why do They Matter?

Building permits ensure construction in Surry is safe, legal, and protective of property values.

When you apply for a permit, your project is reviewed under the New Hampshire State Building Codes, along with any locally adopted building codes and zoning ordinances, to confirm that it:

• Meets local zoning and setback requirements.
• Complies with current safety and health standards.
• Preserves structural integrity and energy efficiency.
• Protects your investment and your neighbors’ property.

Obtaining a permit is a required and essential step in helping ensure your project meets state and local standards before work begins. Working without a permit can lead to fines, stop-work orders, removal of unapproved work, or problems when selling your home.

A new page has been added to the Town’s website answering questions such as:

• When is a Permit Required?
• What is the State Building Code?
• How does Surry’s Zoning Ordinance Come into Play?
• How to Apply for a Building Permit?
• What does the Construction Phase Look Like?

Here is the link to the new page: Building Permits – Information & FAQs

All meetings are open to the public and subject to the provisions of NH RSA 91-A:2 

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NH Alerts is the State of New Hampshire’s official emergency and public notification system. This multi-channel platform enables public safety officials to quickly share critical information with the public using phone calls, text messages, emails, and app-based notifications. Whether it’s an emergency that requires immediate action or a community update, NH Alerts helps ensure that residents and visitors are informed and prepared.  To learn more about the program, you can click on the following link NH ALERTS.

Create an account and register for NH Alerts athttps://stateofnewhampshire.genasys.com/portal.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Division of Emergency Services and Communications’ Database Unit at desc.database@desc.nh.gov.

An additional resource to be aware of is the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).  The FEMA Mobile phone app allows you to receive real-time weather alterts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards, and more.  The following link will direct you to the FEMA page, where you can find more information and download the application.  FEMA Mobile Products | FEMA.gov

To stay informed about important updates and events impacting the community, you will want to register for the Surry Newsletter.   Your phone number is optional but helpful.

After signing up, you’ll receive town updates only when needed — usually once or twice a month.

Registration Form

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