Henniker board recommends against allowing social districts in town

Establishing an open outdoor “social district” where alcohol could be served became a hot debate over economic growth versus public safety.

“The legislation is designed to promote commerce downtown,” said selectman Paul Knudsen.

Selectman Stephen Dennis said he was concerned with public safety and police funding. Selectman Jeff Morse said he worried about the liability to the town if someone is harmed.

“That’s just my personal opinion, it just needs more clarity,” Dennis said.

Voters at town meeting will get to decide whether the community should adopt these new outdoor areas, which are tied to businesses that are licensed by the state Liquor Commission to sell alcohol.

The Henniker select board went through 24 articles on the warrant in over two hours on Tuesday night and recommended all but one — adopting social districts — by a 3-1 vote.

The state law, which is intended to promote events and spur more economic activity, went into effect on Sept. 5 and leaves the decision to approve them up to local communities. Concord and Laconia passed ballot measures about social districts in November.

Knudsen suggested the social districts could be useful in Henniker’s annual Summer Concert Series and Blues, Brews and BBQ fest, or along Main Street.

He said that, if the article were passed at town meeting, it would be up to the select board to decide where the social district is and how long it would be in place. The board could also terminate the law if it is not benefiting the town.

Concert committee chair Ruth Zax worried it would break the committee’s budget to hire more special police detail at all their concerts. Town Administrator Diane Kendall said police funding is already set for the committee and they should not expect any additional costs.

At the top of the meeting, the board recommended the proposed operating budget of $7 million, an increase of about $118,000 from the current budget. Fire and rescue, concerts and athletics all had significant increases while government buildings and legal services fell.

If all warrant articles are approved, the town is expected to spend $10,8 million this year, which would carry an 11% increase in taxes.

Kendall said a main driver of the budget was employee wages and benefits, especially with a rise in health insurance premiums. She also said Henniker is continuing to experience slow tax base growth at 0.05%.

Voting day will occur on Tuesday, March 10, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Henniker Community School. The annual town meeting will be held at the school on Saturday, March 14 at 1 p.m.

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