Selectboard

Conducting the town’s business during the current corona virus epidemic

The Governor has mandated group gatherings of not more than 10 people. This restriction applies to attendance at official meetings in Town e.g., Selectboard, Commissions, Boards. Social distancing guidelines will be observed at those meetings.

For required meetings, the Governor has authorized conference calling in place of physically gathering at a site, so those individuals who need to be in a meeting can do so with less risk. The Selectboard expects to have that capability in place by 4/3.

At this time the Town offices are open. There is a continuing need to conduct the Town’s business. Both Esther Dobbins-Marsh, Administrative Assistant to the Selectboard, and Deborah Hadlock, Town Clerk, Tax Collector, will continue their regular hours. HOWEVER they expect everyone NOT to come into the building unless absolutely necessary. Remember most business can be conducted over the telephone, via e-mail, or via US mail.  There is also a drop box at the front entrance if you want to drop something off. If you need documents, please arrange with either Esther or Deborah a way to pick up documents in person. It is expected that an appointment can be made to pick them up, and the documents will be taped to the outside door for you to retrieve. No direct conduct is expected or needed. Esther can be reached at:603-353-4889 or via e-mail at orfordselectmen@orfordnh.us. Town Clerk, Deborah can be reached by phone at 603-353-4404, or by e-mail: at townclerk@orfordnh.us. Tax Collector, Deborah can be reached by phone at 603-353-4404.

Town Treasurer, Nancy Murphy will continue with her usual schedule so that accounts payable and payroll checks are processed on time. No direct contact is expected with her for her official duties.

The use of hand washing soap, hand-sanitizer, and surface cleaning protocols are in place to help keep Town staff from undue exposure to corona virus.

All Highway Department personal will remain active. Highway Department personnel are considered to be essential employees. We are not like a big city where they can designate only some employees to come to work on any given day. It is mud season and we have roads to maintain.  The Town garage is now closed to non-employees. For requests of service or to report a road condition please reach the Highway Department by phone at 603-353-9366 or e-mail at: highway@orfordnh.us. For urgent dispatch phone: 603-643-2222

Police and Fire Departments are practicing new interaction guidelines set forth by Hanover Dispatch. When they are dispatched to a call, information about the status of the people on the scene needing assistance will be part of the call notice. Therefore, our first responders will know what to expect and can take personal preventative actions if required.

The Transfer Station (Dump) is a vital town service and is not closed at this time.  Local rules are in place there for hygiene and social distancing.

The libraries are closed. They are each under the control of their individual board of directors. For changes to their status contact the library directly.

Our Emergency Management Director, Mike Gilbert, is periodically keeping the Selectboard and our community updated on the general situation. Town Officials are not meant to be your sole source of information, nor your source for the most current information. Please consult national, state and regional sources for the current status of the corona virus epidemic, legal and social requirements. One reliable source for corona virus information is CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov.