The year ending today was a positive one, with some interesting challenges and important accomplishments. Pelham finishes 2024 with less debt on the books, several major construction projects completed, an updated purchasing system and with increased contribution to the Town’s reserves. The Town also hosted a record number – more than 45,000 people – during Summerfest, had a great Thursday night concert series, and expanded its recreational offerings in the park system.
There were also trials and tribulations, such as the transformer fire at the MCC. This unpleasant surprise required an all-hands-on-deck response from the fire department, recreational staff, facilities staff, and then finance and legal in the aftermath. Unfortunately a number of events had to be cancelled, but the MCC was partially up and running about 72 hours later, and now more than six months removed I am happy to report that the new transformer is far more efficient than the previous model, meaning that electrical costs will be reduced in perpetuity. So some good has come out of the bad.
Some of the important accomplishments are on the corporate side and they are specifically of the variety that does not make good headlines, but nevertheless matter a lot. Pelham now has reliable and thoughtful 10 year and 20 year capital plans — we have a good handle on what will need to be fixed, renovated, maintained and roughly when and roughly at what cost. This lets us plan and balance work, avoid years with large tax increases, and chase grant opportunities in a thoughtful manner.
We are now at the halfway point of Council’s mandate — two full years into a four-year term. In February, Town Council will be looking at the strategic plan to see if it requires any tweaks or adjustments. When that is done, the Town will have its goals and objectives set for the next two years. While I cannot know all that will entail, major current projects that must continue include renovation of the Fonthill library and the demolition and replacement of Fire Station 1 on Highway 20.
I’d like to end this message by thanking Town staff for a year of quality service and wishing all residents a safe, prosperous, and happy new year!
David Cribbs is the Town of Pelham's Chief Administrative Officer.
