reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:3-b - Performance Audits.

28:3-b Performance Audits. –
I. The county convention of any county shall have the power to engage the services of a suitable qualified entity to conduct performance audits of any county department, institution, or office as the county convention shall specifically direct. Such performance audits shall include, but not be limited to, examinations of and any determinations based upon the examinations as to achievement of goals, objectives, and specific outcome measures provided for in each department, institution, or office's budget submission. Such performance audit shall indicate the degree of achievement, and any reasons for non-achievements of objectives and outcome measures. Such audit shall also include findings regarding the appropriateness of stated objectives and outcome measures and may suggest alternative or additional measures for use in subsequent budget periods.
II. The detailed reports of every audit conducted pursuant to this section shall become a public record upon approval by the county convention. Audit work papers and notes are not public records. However, those materials necessary to support the compilations in the final audit report may be made available by majority vote of the county convention after a public hearing showing proper cause. For the purposes of this section, work papers shall include, but are not limited to, all preliminary drafts and notes used in preparing the audit report.
III. The cost of a performance audit shall be paid from a contingency fund appropriated by the county convention under RSA 24:13, II.
Source.
2019, 191:2, eff. Sept. 8, 2019.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:3-c - Forensic Audits.

28:3-c Forensic Audits. –
I. The county convention of any county shall have the power to engage the services of a suitable qualified entity to conduct forensic audits of any county department, institution, or office as the county convention shall specifically direct. Forensic audits shall include investigative work of any financial matters. Such audits may include investigations of corruption, asset misappropriation, or financial statement fraud.
II. The detailed reports of every forensic audit conducted pursuant to this section shall become a public record upon approval by the county convention. Audit work papers and notes are not public records. However, those materials necessary to support the compilations in the final audit report may be made available by majority vote of the county convention after a public hearing showing proper cause. For the purposes of this section, work papers shall include, but are not limited to, all preliminary drafts and notes used in preparing the forensic audit report.
III. The cost of a forensic audit shall be paid from a contingency fund appropriated by the county convention under RSA 24:13, II-a.
Source.
2019, 191:2, eff. Sept. 8, 2019.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:4 - Custody of Property.

28:4 Custody of Property. –
The county commissioners shall have the custody and care of all property belonging to the county.
Source.
RS 19:2. CS 20:2. 1855, 1659:37. GS 24:2. GL 25:2. PS 27:3. PL 38:4. RL 47:4.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:5 - County Buildings.

28:5 County Buildings. –
The county commissioners may repair, enlarge, or erect county buildings at an expense not exceeding $25,000.
Source.
RS 19:2. CS 20:2. 1855, 1659:37. GS 24:2. GL 25:2. PS 27:3. PL 38:5. RL 47:5. RSA 28:5. 1986, 8:1, eff. May 26, 1986. 2023, 178:2, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:6 - Personal Property.

28:6 Personal Property. –
They may purchase personal property for the use of the county and its officers; and may sell any of the county personal property that is not needed for its uses.
Source.
RS 19:2. CS 20:2. 1855, 1659:37. GS 24:2. GL 25:2. PS 27:3. PL 38:6. RL 47:6. RSA 28:6. 1983, 383:9, eff. July 1, 1984.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:6-a - Authority to Contract for Professional Real Estate Services.

28:6-a Authority to Contract for Professional Real Estate Services. –
I. The county commissioners shall be authorized to contract for professional real estate services for the sale or lease of county property as follows:
(a) The commissioners shall publish a request for qualifications for professional real estate services to be procured. The commissioners shall select licensed real estate professionals who have demonstrated competence and qualifications to market the sale or lease of real property.
(b) The commissioners shall prepare a description of its procedures for procurement of professional real estate services. These descriptions shall be distributed to interested professionals subject to the provisions of this section.
(c) The commissioners shall negotiate a contract with the highest qualified firm for professional real estate services at compensation which the commissioners determine is fair and reasonable to the county. In making such determination, the commissioners shall take into account the estimated value, scope, complexity, and professional nature of the services to be rendered.
(d) If the commissioners are unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm considered to be the most qualified, at a price determined to be fair and reasonable to the county, the commissioners shall then undertake negotiations with the next most qualified firm in order of competence and qualifications and continue negotiations until an agreement is reached.
II. In this section:
(a) "Professional real estate services" means those professional services of licensed real estate professionals, as well as incidental services that members of the profession and those in their employ may logically and justifiably perform. These services shall include at a minimum a market analysis based on the highest and best use of all county property being sold or leased.
(b) "Licensed real estate professional" means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity permitted by law to practice the real estate profession in this state under RSA 331-A.
Source.
2013, 119:1, eff. Aug. 24, 2013.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:7 - Real Estate.

28:7 Real Estate. –
When so authorized by the county convention they may purchase such real estate as may be required for county correctional facilities, including county farms, or other county uses, and may repair, enlarge or erect county buildings at a cost exceeding $25,000; and, with like authority, they may sell any of the county's real estate.
Source.
1863, 2735:1. GS 24:3. GL 25:3, 4. PS 27:5. PL 38:7. RL 47:7. RSA 28:7. 1985, 60:1, 404:3. 1988, 89:3, eff. June 17, 1988. 2023, 178:3, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:7-a - Services to Unincorporated Towns and Unorganized Places.

28:7-a Services to Unincorporated Towns and Unorganized Places. –
For each unincorporated town or unorganized place, the county in which it is located and its commissioners shall have the same responsibilities for providing services as a town and its governing body. County conventions may at any legal meeting grant and vote such sums of money as they judge necessary for any purpose for which the county may act, if such appropriation is not prohibited by the laws or by the constitution of this state. The cost of providing services for a county's unincorporated towns and unorganized places shall be assessed on the property taxpayers of the unincorporated towns or unorganized places under RSA 81.
Source.
1969, 127:1. 1989, 266:2, eff. July 1, 1989.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:7-b - Planning and Zoning in Unincorporated Towns and Unorganized Places.

28:7-b Planning and Zoning in Unincorporated Towns and Unorganized Places. –
For each unincorporated town or unorganized place, the county in which it is located and its commissioners shall have the same responsibilities and powers to exercise planning, zoning, subdivision and related regulations as city and local land use boards. Regulations shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions of RSA 672-677 to the extent practical, in order to ensure reasonable development and planning in the unincorporated town or unorganized place.
Source.
1983, 161:1. 1986, 31:1. 1989, 266:2, eff. July 1, 1989.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:7-d - Education Money; Unincorporated Towns and Unorganized Places.

28:7-d Education Money;  Unincorporated Towns and Unorganized Places. –
I. It shall be the duty of the county commissioners of the counties in which there are located unincorporated towns or unorganized places to provide for the education of all the children residing in those unincorporated towns or unorganized places by establishing standard elementary schools in such towns or places or by furnishing tuition and board or tuition and transportation at some approved public elementary or high school in another district. For the purposes of this section, counties with unincorporated towns or unorganized places shall for those towns and places have the powers granted under RSA 194.
II. The county commissioners shall annually on or before August 1 certify the amount of money deemed necessary to be raised by taxation for the education of all the children residing in the unincorporated towns or unorganized places.
III. The certified amount shall be assessed on the taxpayers of each unincorporated town or unorganized place under RSA 81 on a pro rata basis based upon the actual number of school children who reside in each town or place.
Source.
1989, 266:3, eff. July 1, 1990.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:8 - Competitive Bidding on Purchases.

28:8 Competitive Bidding on Purchases. –
I. The provisions of this section shall apply to all counties in the state and the offices of county sheriff, county attorney, county treasurer, and register of deeds.
II. Any purchase of equipment or materials made by a county in an amount exceeding $10,000 shall be by competitive bidding, provided that the county commissioners by unanimous vote may waive the provisions for such bidding. In case the commissioners so vote a copy of such action shall be recorded in their offices with a statement of the reason therefor and such record shall be open to public inspection. Orders for equipment or material to be delivered at different times where the single delivery may be less than $10,000, but the total order exceeds that amount shall be construed as coming within the provisions hereof requiring competitive bidding.
Source.
1941, 108:1. RL 47:8. 1949, 165:1. RSA 28:8. 1979, 200:3, eff. July 1, 1979. 1998, 50:1, eff. July 4, 1998. 2023, 126:4, eff. Aug. 29, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:8-a - Competitive Bidding on Sales of Personal Property.

28:8-a Competitive Bidding on Sales of Personal Property. –
Any sale of personal property made by a county where the estimated value thereof is in excess of $3,000 shall be by competitive bidding, provided that the county commissioners by unanimous vote may waive the provisions for such bidding. In case the commissioners so vote a copy of such action shall be recorded in their offices with a statement of the reasons therefor and such record shall be open to public inspection.
Source.
1959, 3:1, eff. April 12, 1959. 2023, 178:4, eff. Oct. 3, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:8-b - Open Bidding.

28:8-b Open Bidding. –
Competitive bidding required by a county in accordance with the provisions of RSA 28:8, 8-a and 8-c shall be open to any person or legal entity wishing to submit a bid to the county.
Source.
1973, 408:1. 1975, 376:1, eff. Aug. 6, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:8-c - Competitive Bidding on Sales and Leases of Real Property.

28:8-c Competitive Bidding on Sales and Leases of Real Property. –
To transfer a valid interest, a sale or lease of real property owned by a county shall be made by the county commissioners by competitive bidding or in accordance with RSA 28:6-a and shall be ratified by a majority vote of the county convention and the executive committee of the county convention.
Source.
1975, 376:2, eff. Aug. 6, 1975. 2013, 119:2, eff. Aug. 24, 2013.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:8-d - Use of Real Property.

28:8-d Use of Real Property. –
I. No officer or employee of a county may enter into an agreement with any other person for the use of real property owned by the county unless such agreement has been approved by the county commissioners and is ratified by a majority vote of the county convention and the executive committee of the county convention.
II. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph I, the county convention may authorize the executive committee and the county commissioners to enter into an agreement with any other person for the use of county-owned real property, subject to restrictions which the county convention may impose.
Source.
1975, 376:2. 1995, 163:1, eff. July 31, 1995.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:9 - Assisted Persons.

28:9 Assisted Persons. –
They shall have the charge and care of county assisted persons, and shall provide for their support upon the county farm or elsewhere as required by law; and when expedient they may appoint agents in the several towns to investigate applications and look after the county poor in such towns.
Source.
1855, 1659:37. 1860, 2349:1. GS 24:5. GL 25:5. PS 27:6. 1901, 39:1. PL 38:8. RL 47:9. RSA 28:9. 1985, 380:47, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:10 - Employees, Counties.

28:10 Employees, Counties. –
The commissioners of each county shall employ such number of clerks and agents as said commissioners deem necessary. In Hillsborough county the county commissioner, any elected or appointed official, prior to establishing any new position within said county, shall obtain written approval from the Hillsborough county executive committee for such new position.
Source.
1909, 83:1. 1913, 2:1; 44:1; 136:1. 1917, 201:1. 1919, 45:1. 1921, 149:1. 1925, 171:2. PL 38:29. 1937, 206:1. RL 47:28. 1945, 119:1. RSA 28:10. 1969, 181:1. 1973, 381:1, eff. Aug. 29, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:10-b - Jurisdiction.

28:10-b Jurisdiction. –
The jurisdiction of the county personnel committee to conduct discharge, removal, or suspension hearings shall be limited to those cases not involving death of a county employee or any person under the care or custody of a county employee. Whenever the county personnel committee finds that a case involves a death of a county employee or any person under the care or custody of a county employee, the committee shall immediately transfer the case to superior court. Any determination made by the county personnel committee that a case involves the death of a county employee or any person under the care or custody of a county employee shall be inadmissible as evidence in any civil action, arising from such death, against the county or any county official or employee.
Source.
1981, 102:1. 1986, 71:2, eff. Jan. 1, 1987.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:10-c - Employee Candidate Background Checks.

28:10-c Employee Candidate Background Checks. –
I. The county commissioners may require a background investigation and a criminal history records check on any candidate for employment, prior to a final offer of employment. A county may request only a state records check or both a federal and state records check, to be conducted through the division of state police. The county may extend a conditional offer of employment to a candidate, with a final offer of employment subject to a successfully completed criminal history records check.
II. A candidate for employment in a position that the county commissioners determine requires a background investigation and a criminal history records check shall submit to the county a criminal history records release form, as provided by the division of state police, which authorizes the release of the person's criminal records, if any. The candidate shall submit with the release form a complete set of fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency as directed by the county commissioners. In the event that the first set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern and a second set of fingerprints is necessary in order to complete the criminal history records check, the conditional offer of employment shall remain in effect. If, after 2 attempts, a set of fingerprints is invalid due to insufficient pattern, the county may, in lieu of the criminal history records check, accept police clearances from every city, town, or county where a candidate has lived during the past 5 years.
III. To obtain a state records check only, the county shall submit a state criminal history records release form to the division of state police. To obtain both the federal and the state records check, the county shall submit the criminal history records release form and applicant fingerprint card to the division of state police, which shall conduct a criminal history records check through its records and through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Upon completion of the background investigation, the division of state police shall report any criminal conviction information to the county commissioners. The county may submit fingerprint information electronically, in accordance with procedures established by the division of state police. The county shall maintain the confidentiality and security of all criminal history records information received pursuant to this paragraph.
IV. The county commissioners may require the candidate to pay the actual costs of the background investigation and the criminal history records check.
V. In this section, "candidate for employment" shall include candidates for volunteer positions in the county.
Source.
2013, 147:2, eff. Aug. 27, 2013. 2018, 318:3, eff. Aug. 24, 2018.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:11 - Personnel.

28:11 Personnel. –
The commissioners of each county shall appoint an administrator for the county nursing home and, if the county has a correctional facility, the county commissioners shall appoint a superintendent for the county department of corrections. They may also appoint such other officers, agents, and employees as may be required to properly care for the same and their inmates.
Source.
RS 116:1. CS 122:1. 1855, 1659:37. 1863, 2735:1. GS 24:4. GL 25:4. PS 27:7. PL 38:9. RL 47:10. RSA 28:11. 1973, 150:1. 1981, 105:1; 227:2. 1988, 89:4, eff. June 17, 1988. 2007, 93:2, eff. Aug. 10, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:12 - Rules and Regulations.

28:12 Rules and Regulations. –
The county commissioners may adopt rules and regulations for the governing and administration of county departments of corrections, including county farms, county nursing homes, county welfare offices and any other county departments under the jurisdiction of the county commissioners.
Source.
RS 116:1. CS 122:1. 1855, 1659:37. 1863, 2735:1. GS 24:4. GL 25:4. PS 27:7. PL 38:10. RL 47:11. RSA 28:12. 1981, 227:4. 1988, 89:6, eff. June 17, 1988.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:13 - Ineligibility to be Superintendent.

28:13 Ineligibility to be Superintendent. –
No county commissioner shall be superintendent of the county farm or the county department of corrections, or administrator of the county nursing home.
Source.
1889, 52:1. PS 27:8. PL 38:11. RL 47:12. RSA 28:13. 1971, 495:2. 1981, 227:3. 1988, 89:7, eff. June 17, 1988. 2007, 93:3, eff. Aug. 10, 2007.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:14 - Allowance.

28:14 Allowance. –
They shall audit and allow all claims against or in favor of the county, excepting those which the superior court is authorized by law to adjust and allow.
Source.
1865, 4077:1. GS 24:8. GL 25:8. PS 27:10. PL 38:12. RL 47:13. RSA 28:14. 1967, 132:2, eff. July 18, 1967.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:15 - Vouchers; Payment.

28:15 Vouchers;  Payment. –
No assisted person bill, and no bill or claim of a superintendent of the county department of corrections against the county, shall be allowed by the county commissioners unless it is accompanied by proper vouchers for all payments charged therein, and is supported by an affidavit of the claimant, or some one in his behalf, that the same is a just and true account; and no such bill or claim shall be paid by the county treasurer without the allowance of the county commissioners.
Source.
1864, 2880:1. GS 24:9. GL 25:9. PS 27:11. PL 38:13. RL 47:14. RSA 28:15. 1985, 380:47. 1988, 89:8, eff. June 17, 1988.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:16 - Disputed Claims.

28:16 Disputed Claims. –
If any disagreement shall arise between any claimant and the commissioners, relative to any claim in favor of or against the county, the same may be submitted to the court for decision.
Source.
GS 24:10. GL 25:10. PS 27:13. PL 38:14. RL 47:15.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:17 - Suits.

28:17 Suits. –
The county commissioners shall direct such proceedings to be commenced for the recovery of fines, penalties, forfeitures, costs and other claims due the county as they deem the interests of the county require, and such proceedings shall be subject to their direction and control.
Source.
1865, 4077:4. GS 24:14. GL 25:14. PS 27:14. PL 38:15. RL 47:16.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:17-a - Legal Counsel.

28:17-a Legal Counsel. –
The county commissioners shall have the authority to hire, within the limit of appropriations, legal counsel to advise them on county affairs and to issue opinions relating to county matters, provided that such counsel shall not be employed to defend the commissioners individually or collectively in private legal matters.
Source.
1975, 295:1, eff. Aug. 6, 1975.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:18 - Expenses of Suits.

28:18 Expenses of Suits. –
No claim for any services, fees or costs rendered or incurred in actions brought for or against the county shall be allowed unless they were authorized in writing by the county commissioners.
Source.
1865, 4077:4. GS 24:14. GL 25:14. PS 27:14. PL 38:16. RL 47:17.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:19 - Compromise.

28:19 Compromise. –
No action or proceeding for the recovery of anything due to the county shall be compromised or settled except by the county commissioners, or by their direction in writing.
Source.
1865, 4077:5. GS 24:15. GL 25:15. PS 27:15. PL 38:17. RL 47:18.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:20 - Record.

28:20 Record. –
A record of all receipts and payments of county funds shall be made by the county treasurer in the county receipts and payments book, prescribed by the commissioner of revenue administration, showing, in the case of receipts, the date, source and amount, and, in the case of payments, the name of the payee, the voucher number and amount, properly classified according to the uniform classification prescribed by said commissioner.
Source.
1878, 44:3. GL 28:3. PS 27:12. 1921, 5:1. PL 38:18. RL 47:19. RSA 28:20. 1973, 544:8, eff. Sept. 1, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:21 - Vouchers.

28:21 Vouchers. –
The vouchers shall be filed, according to the numbers appearing in the county receipts and payments book, in the office of the county commissioners.
Source.
1921, 5:1. PL 38:19. RL 47:20.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:23 - Issue.

28:23 Issue. –
When so authorized by the county convention, the county commissioners may issue bonds of their county, to raise money for its uses, subject to the provisions of RSA 33. Said bonds shall be signed by 2 at least of the commissioners, and shall be countersigned by the treasurer.
Source.
1860, 2368:1. GS 24:17. GL 25:17. PS 27:16. PL 38:21. RL 47:22. RSA 28:23. 1969, 383:1, eff. Aug. 31, 1969.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:24 - Sale.

28:24 Sale. –
All county bonds and notes, except tax anticipation notes maturing in less than one year, shall be sold at public sealed bidding to the highest bidder; provided, however, that the county commissioners may reject any and all bids and may negotiate for said sale upon terms which they deem most advantageous to the county. Any bond sold under the provisions of this chapter shall not be sold for less than par.
Source.
1860, 2368:2. GS 24:18. 1869, 2:1. GL 25:18. PS 27:17. PL 38:22. RL 47:23. RSA 28:24. 1969, 383:2. 1971, 485:1. 1983, 365:3, eff. June 19, 1983.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:25 - Authorization.

28:25 Authorization. –
The county commissioners may authorize and direct the register of deeds to make, at the expense of the county, in suitable books, true copies of any of the public records in his or her office which have become so faded, worn out or otherwise defaced that, in his or her judgment, it is necessary they should be copied in order to insure the preservation of such records.
Source.
1881, 19:1. 1885, 59:1. PS 27:18. PL 38:23. RL 47:24. RSA 28:25. 1983, 383:10, eff. July 1, 1984. 2008, 322:1, eff. Aug. 31, 2008.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:26 - Certification.

28:26 Certification. –
The officer making such copies shall attach thereto certificates of their correctness, and showing when, by whom and under what authority made.
Source.
1881, 19:1. 1885, 59:1. PS 27:18. PL 38:24. RL 47:25.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28 - County Commissioners › Section 28:27 - Effect.

28:27 Effect. –
Such copies shall have the same force and effect as the originals, and copies made therefrom may be used in evidence the same as if made from the originals, without showing the loss of the latter; but the originals shall also be preserved.
Source.
1881, 19:1. 1885, 59:1. PS 27:18. PL 38:25. RL 47:26.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28-A - County Charters › Section 28-A:2 - Membership; Appointments.

28-A:2 Membership;  Appointments. –
The nominating committee shall observe the following rules in nominating the 15 member charter commission:
I. No more than 5 members shall be appointed from each commissioner voting district.
II. The members shall be appointed as equally as possible from each of the commissioner voting districts. For counties without districts, the appointees shall represent varied geographical areas of the county.
III. No more than 60 percent of the members shall be members of the same political party.
IV. At least one member shall be the chairman of the board of commissioners or his designee from the county.
V. At least 3 members shall be currently elected state representatives from the county.
VI. At least 5 members shall not currently hold an elective office in any level of government.
VII. All members shall be persons with expertise in government structure, the law, or other skills useful to the commission.
VIII. Up to 2 members may be nonresidents who have special knowledge or expertise in government organization, law, or other skills useful to the commission.
Source.
1986, 112:1, eff. July 19, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28-A - County Charters › Section 28-A:3 - Scope of Authorization; Procedure; Meetings; Budget.

28-A:3 Scope of Authorization;  Procedure;  Meetings;  Budget. –
I. A charter commission established under this chapter may recommend a charter which meets the needs of the county in terms of structure and operation to include, but not be limited to, such matters as: numbers and duties of elected officials, except elected officials specified by the Constitution of the state of New Hampshire; method of electing officials; manner of filling vacancies; powers of nomination, appointment and confirmation; terms of office; establishment and operations of nonconstitutional offices, agencies and departments; and adoption of the county budget.
II. The charter commission shall meet within 30 days of its appointment at a meeting called by the chairman of the board of commissioners. At this meeting, the charter commission shall organize by electing from its members a chairman, a vice chairman, and clerk-secretary. The commission shall also prepare a schedule for future meetings. All meetings, hearings and deliberations of the charter commission shall be subject to RSA 91-A.
III. Vacancies occurring on the commission shall be filled promptly by the nominating committee using the same rules for selection as in RSA 28-A:2. Members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for expenses lawfully incurred by them in the performance of their duties.
IV. The charter commission shall adopt rules governing the conduct of its meetings and proceedings in accordance with an accepted parliamentary procedure, shall keep appropriate records, and may employ such legal, research, clerical, or other employees and consultants as are deemed necessary within the limits of its budget.
V. The county commissioners shall provide the charter commission with suitable space and with reasonable access to county facilities for holding public hearings, may contribute clerical and other assistance to such commission, and shall permit reasonable access to consult with and obtain advice and information from county officers, officials, and employees during ordinary working hours.
VI. Within 60 days after its organizational meeting, the charter commission shall hold 3 public hearings in 3 separate locations within the county for the purpose of receiving information, views, comments, and other pertinent material relative to its functions. All public hearings before a charter commission shall be held within the county at such times and places as may be specified in a notice published at least 10 days prior to the hearing in a newspaper having general circulation in the county, but public hearings may be adjourned and reconvened from time to time without further published notice.
Source.
1986, 112:1, eff. July 19, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28-A - County Charters › Section 28-A:4 - Charter Commission Report; Referendum.

28-A:4 Charter Commission Report;  Referendum. –
I. Within 9 months after its election, the charter commission, if it determines a charter shall be proposed, shall prepare a preliminary report including the text of the charter which the commission intends shall be submitted to the voters and any explanatory information the commission deems desirable, and shall cause such report to be printed and circulated to the board of commissioners, the county convention, the secretary of state, all clerks of municipalities and each public library within the county. Within 12 months after its election, the charter commission shall submit to the board of commissioners and the county convention its final report, which shall include the full text and explanation of the proposed new charter or charter revision, such comments as the commission deems desirable, an indication of the major differences between any current and proposed charters, and a written opinion by an attorney admitted to the bar of this state that the proposed charter or charter revision is not in conflict with the Constitution or the general laws. Minority reports, if filed, shall not exceed 1,000 words.
II. (a) Upon the filing of the final report, the board of commissioners shall forward the proposed new charter to the secretary of state, who shall submit the question of adoption of the charter to the voters on the official ballot used within the county at the next state general election after the filing of the final report. The charter commission shall draft the question and it may expand or elaborate on the question; however, the substance of the question shall be as follows:
"Shall the proposed charter for the county (name of county) be adopted as recommended by the charter commission?"
(b) The charter commission shall continue in existence for 30 days after submission of the question to the voters.
(c) In order for the charter to be adopted, at least 2/3 of the voters voting on the question must vote "yes" on the charter question. The results of the vote on this question shall be forwarded by the municipal clerks to the secretary of state in the same manner as the results of other balloting are reported.
Source.
1986, 112:1, eff. July 19, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28-A - County Charters › Section 28-A:5 - Transition Period and Amendments.

28-A:5 Transition Period and Amendments. –
Any charter proposed by the charter commission shall include transition provisions under which the governmental structure set out in the charter shall take effect. Any proposed charter shall also contain provisions for amendment of the charter, which amendment process shall require approval by 2/3 of the voters of the county voting on the question.
Source.
1986, 112:1, eff. July 19, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28-A - County Charters › Section 28-A:6 - Recording.

28-A:6 Recording. –
Within 10 days after the results of the election have been declared, the secretary of state shall prepare and sign duplicate certificates attesting to the adoption or rejection of the charter. One certificate shall be recorded in the office of the secretary of state and one certificate shall be deposited in the office of the county commissioners.
Source.
1986, 112:1, eff. July 19, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28-A - County Charters › Section 28-A:7 - Conflict of Laws.

28-A:7 Conflict of Laws. –
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, county charters adopted pursuant to this chapter shall take precedence over any other general or special laws relating to county government structure and procedures.
Source.
1986, 112:1, eff. July 19, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28-B - County-State Finance Commission › Section 28-B:1 - Commission Established.

28-B:1 Commission Established. –
There is hereby established the county-state finance commission which shall consist of the following members:
I. The commissioner of the department of health and human services.
II. The director of the division of elderly and adult services in the department of health and human services.
III. Three members appointed by the commissioner of the department of health and human services, and one member appointed by the governor and council, who shall serve 2-year terms, provided that the initial terms of 2 such members shall be for one year.
IV. Six members representing county government, all appointed by the New Hampshire Association of Counties, who shall serve 2-year terms, provided that the initial terms of 3 such members shall be for one year.
V. Three members of the legislature, 2 of whom shall be members of the house of representatives, one of whom shall be a member of the house finance committee and one of whom shall be a member of the standing committee responsible for municipal and county government, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, and one of whom shall be a member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate, whose terms shall be coterminous with their terms in office.
Source.
2003, 223:2, eff. July 1, 2003. 2009, 188:1, eff. Sept. 11, 2009. 2022, 323:30, eff. Sept. 6, 2022.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28-B - County-State Finance Commission › Section 28-B:2 - Chairperson; Meetings.

28-B:2 Chairperson;  Meetings. –
The commission shall elect a chairperson from among its members, provided that the chair shall alternate between a state and a county representative in a manner determined by the commission. The commission shall meet at least quarterly and shall adopt rules for its procedures.
Source.
2003, 223:2, eff. July 1, 2003.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 28-B - County-State Finance Commission › Section 28-B:3 - Duties of the Commission.

28-B:3 Duties of the Commission. –
The county-state finance commission shall oversee the financial relationship and the development of policy associated with programs for which the county and state governments share funding obligations. The commission shall have the following responsibilities:
I. Review and provide recommendations about the state's long-term care medicaid plan under RSA 151-E and related provisions which address programs for which counties have financial obligation prior to submission of such plans to the federal medicaid agency.
II. Review and provide recommendations regarding department of health and human services rate setting and adjustments including, but not limited to, those for long-term care services for elderly and adult clients by the division of elderly and adult services, court-ordered and volunteer services by the division for children, youth, and families, and the division of juvenile justice services, prior to any rate setting or adjustments.
III. Review and provide recommendations for refinement of county billing systems for all payments from the counties to the state.
IV. Pursue and evaluate funding options.
V. Develop a process for managing individual county payment limits under RSA 167:18-a. In no event shall the individual county payment limit reduce or alter the total county obligation under RSA 167:18-a.
VI. Oversee:
(a) Funds expended by the state for long-term care, including county reimbursement of said funds under RSA 167:18-a.
(b) State responsibility for court-ordered expenses for services or treatment provided to minors under RSA 169-B:40, RSA 169-C:27, and RSA 169-D:29.
Source.
2003, 223:2, eff. July 1, 2003. 2007, 263:14, eff. July 1, 2008. 2009, 188:2, eff. Sept. 11, 2009.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 29 - County Treasurers and County Taxes › Section 29:2 - Bank Deposits.

29:2 Bank Deposits. –
The treasurer shall deposit all public funds in the treasurer's custody in banks within the state pursuant to RSA 29:1 but the amount of collected funds on deposit in any one bank shall not at any time exceed the sum of its paid-up capital and surplus.
Source.
1915, 153:1. PL 39:2. 1929, 92:1. 1931, 177:1. 1939, 170:1. RL 48:2. RSA 29:2. 1959, 197:1, eff. Sept. 20, 1959. 2008, 120:20, eff. Aug. 2, 2008.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 29 - County Treasurers and County Taxes › Section 29:3 - Excess Funds.

29:3 Excess Funds. –
Whenever the county treasurer has in custody an excess of funds which are not immediately needed for the purpose of expenditure the county treasurer may, with the approval of the county commissioners and county executive committee and upon such terms as shall be approved by the county commissioners, invest the same in participation units in the public deposit investment pool established pursuant to RSA 6:45, or in units of pooled money market mutual funds which invest solely in obligations of the United States Treasury, or in obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States government. The obligations may be held directly or in the form of securities of or other interests in any open-end or closed-end management-type investment company or investment trust registered under 15 U.S.C. section 80a-1 et seq., if the portfolio of the investment company or investment trust is limited to such obligations and repurchase agreements fully collateralized by such obligations. Any person who directly or indirectly receives any such funds or moneys for deposit or for investment in securities of any kind shall, prior to acceptance of such funds, make available at the time of such deposit or investment, an option to have such funds secured by collateral having a value at least equal to the amount of such funds. Such collateral shall be segregated for the exclusive benefit of the county. Only securities defined by the bank commissioner in rules adopted pursuant to RSA 383-B:3-301(e) shall be eligible to be pledged as collateral. At least yearly, the county treasurer, with the approval of the county commissioners, shall review and adopt an investment policy for the investment of public funds in conformance with the provisions of applicable statutes.
Source.
1915, 153:2. PL 39:3. RL 48:3. RSA 29:3. 1959, 197:1. 1991, 268:5, eff. Aug. 9, 1991; 383:2, eff. Aug. 31, 1991. 1996, 209:3, eff. Aug. 9, 1996. 2007, 347:1, eff. Sept. 14, 2007. 2011, 71:1, eff. July 15, 2011. 2015, 272:38, eff. Oct. 1, 2015. 2023, 36:2, eff. July 16, 2023.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 29 - County Treasurers and County Taxes › Section 29:5 - Payments on Commissioners' Orders.

29:5 Payments on Commissioners' Orders. –
The order of the county commissioners shall be a sufficient voucher for the payment of assisted person accounts, appropriations by the county convention and all other sums for which the county may be chargeable.
Source.
RS 21:5. CS 22:5. GS 25:4. GL 26:4. PS 28:3. PL 39:5. RL 48:5. RSA 29:5. 1985, 380:47, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 29 - County Treasurers and County Taxes › Section 29:6 - Form of Orders.

29:6 Form of Orders. –
All orders drawn by the commissioners shall state briefly the nature of the claims for the payment of which they are drawn; and no order shall be paid by any treasurer unless it contains such statement.
Source.
1866, 4258:1. GS :25:5. GL 26:5. PS 28:4. PL 39:6. RL 48:6.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 29 - County Treasurers and County Taxes › Section 29:7 - Treasurer's Statement.

29:7 Treasurer's Statement. –
The treasurer shall render to the commissioners annually, and oftener if required, a true and minute statement of all the sums by him received and paid since the last statement, with the vouchers therefor; and the commissioners shall audit, adjust and settle the same.
Source.
RS 21:6. CS 22:6. GS 25:6. GL 26:6. PS 28:5. PL 39:7. RL 48:7.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 29 - County Treasurers and County Taxes › Section 29:8 - Borrowing.

29:8 Borrowing. –
Whenever the money in the treasury of any county shall be insufficient to meet the demands upon the same, the treasurer, upon the order of the commissioners with the approval of the executive committee of the county convention, and such approval shall not be given until the treasurer has appeared in person before the committee to testify in support of any such request, may borrow such sum as they shall deem necessary for the purpose, and give the note of the county therefor; provided, however, that if the sum to be borrowed, together with the collected taxes of the same fiscal year, shall exceed by 10 percent the total appropriations made for that year by the county convention, the approval of the county convention for such excess borrowing must be secured, unless the convention has not acted upon the appropriations for the ensuing year. Nothing in this section shall be deemed or construed as authority to exceed appropriations made by the county convention.
Source.
CS 24:6. 1843, 34:1. GS 25:8. GL 26:8. PS 28:6. PL 39:8. 1933, 185:1. 1934, 4:1. RL 48:8. RSA 29:8. 1959, 121:1. 1963, 59:1. 1973, 362:1, eff. Aug. 26, 1973.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 29 - County Treasurers and County Taxes › Section 29:8-a - Anticipation of Federal or State Aid.

29:8-a Anticipation of Federal or State Aid. –
A county may contract for or accept grants of federal or state aid or both in connection with any project for which the county may incur indebtedness under this title; and, after their receipt, such grants shall be expended according to the terms under which they are received or used to pay indebtedness incurred under this title. The county treasurer upon the order of the commissioners with the approval of the executive committee of the county convention may incur indebtedness in anticipation of the receipt of such aid by issuing its note or notes payable not more than 5 years from their dates, except that notes issued for a shorter period than 5 years may be funded and refunded from time to time by the issue of other notes which shall be payable not later than 5 years after the date of issue of the original note or notes creating the indebtedness being funded or refunded. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to authorize the appropriation of any money in a manner which is inconsistent with laws relating to appropriations of money by counties.
Source.
1977, 143:1, eff. Aug. 5, 1977.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 29 - County Treasurers and County Taxes › Section 29:8-b - Tax Anticipation Notes.

29:8-b Tax Anticipation Notes. –
The county treasurer, upon order of the commissioners and with the approval of the county convention as required in RSA 29:8, may incur debt in anticipation of the receipt of taxes for the financial year in which the debt is incurred. Such funds may be used to pay maintenance and operating expenses incurred during the current financial year. In this section, maintenance and operating expenses shall include all appropriations approved by the county convention for the current financial year. Tax anticipation notes may be issued therefor to an aggregate principal amount not exceeding 80 percent of the total appropriations approved by the county convention for the preceding financial year. All notes issued under the authority of this section shall be general obligation and shall be payable not later than the final day of the applicable budget year.
Source.
2017, 30:1, eff. July 8, 2017.
2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes › Title II - Counties › Chapter 29 - County Treasurers and County Taxes › Section 29:10 - Notes.

29:10 Notes. –
Notes issued by a county shall be signed by 2 at least of the commissioners and shall be countersigned by the treasurer.
Source.
1883, 41:1, 2. PS 28:7. PL 39:9. RL 48:9. RSA 29:10. 1969, 383:3, eff. Aug. 31, 1969.