Dear Stratham Residents,

Please see below for news and notes from the Town of Stratham.  In this edition:

• Thank you Mike Houghton
• Election Results 
• Electric Rates Increase
• NH Saves Button Up Workshop - March 31
• New Communications & Community Engagement Committee
• Clerk's Corner
• NHDOT Rt 108/Bunker Hill Proposed Improvements Presentation - April 2 
• Land Use Fee Structure Update
• Transfer Station Summer Hours- April 2
• Stratham Historical Society Scholarship Applications - Deadline April 1
• Heritage Commission Program - The Story of Stuart Farm - April 10

Stratham Select Board
Allison Knab, Chair            Joe Anderson, Vice Chair            Tedd Tramaloni

THANK YOU MIKE HOUGHTON
The Select Board extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mike Houghton as he concludes his service on the Board.  Mike has dedicated decades to Stratham through leadership roles on the Select Board, Planning Board, and Heritage Commission, as well as stepping in as Interim Town Administrator during a critical transition.  His thoughtful, steady leadership has strengthened town operations, modernized services, and guided major initiatives in public safety, infrastructure, conservation, and long‑term planning.  Mike’s impact on Stratham is significant and lasting, and we thank him sincerely for his many years of commitment and service to the community.  

ELECTION RESULTS
The Town Election that was held on Tuesday, March 10, results below.  On Saturday, March 14, Stratham voters approved all Warrant Articles.

ELECTRIC RATES INCREASE
Starting February 1, most residents saw electricity rate increases. The default electric supplier for Stratham is the Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH). This appears as “Stratham Community Power” on participating customer bills.

Stratham saw lower electric rates in the first year of CPCNH membership relative to the utility basic service, but since then the Unitil energy supply rate has been lower than CPCNH.  The current 2/1/26 – 7/31/26 Unitil rate is $0.121 / kWh vs. CPCNH @ $0.149 / kWh.

You can opt out of the Community Power program without fee or cost, by calling 1-866-603-POWR or at the Stratham Community Power webpage. Have your Unitil account number on hand, from your most recent bill.  If returning to Unitil, your account will be on “variable” supply rate until 8/1/26, when the next six-month default period begins.  Variable rates are set through July: April $0.097 / kWh, May $0.093 / kWh, June $0.102 / kWh and July $0.124 / kWh.

Any resident or business can remain with CPCNH, return to Unitil for electric service, or contract with a qualified third party. 

NH SAVES BUTTON UP WORKSHOP  
Please join us the Energy Commission's energy saving Button Up seminar series being held in the Sewall Room at the Municipal Center at 12:30pm on Tuesday, March 31.  Learn about ways to save on your heating and electric bills while increasing comfort in your home. 

NEW COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Town of Stratham is excited to announce the formation of the Communications and Community Engagement Committee, and we want you to be a part of it.  Our mission is to expand how the Town shares information and listens to its residents.  

We are looking for a diverse group of community members with various backgrounds and experiences.  Whether you are a long-time resident or new to town, your voice is valuable. The ideal volunteer should have some communication, digital or marketing experience or expertise. 

If you’re ready to make a difference, apply today by downloading the Board and Committee Application from the Town website and email your completed form to Executive Assistant Karen Richard

• The Supervisors of the Checklist will be in session at the Stratham Municipal Center in the LAND USE ROOM on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 7-7:30 p.m. to accept voter registrations and changes to the checklist.
  If registering to vote, residents MUST provide a photo ID (ex. driver’s license), proof of residency (ex. piece of mail or signed lease), and proof of citizenship (ex. birth certificate or US passport). 
  For address changes, residents must provide appropriate documentation reflecting the change.  For name changes, documentation that resulted in a name change must be provided i.e., marriage certificate or court documentation.
• The Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office will be closed on Wednesday, April 15^th for a Regional Tax Collector’s Conference, please plan ahead.
• Are you harboring the Top Dog of Stratham for 2026?  Please register your dog not later than April 30^th for your faithful friend to be entered for a chance to win and claim this prestigious title.

NHDOT ROUTE 108/BUNKER HILL PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
NHDOT will be returning to the Town of Stratham on Thursday, April 2 for an update. Doors will open at 5:30pm / presentation starts at 6pm.  This event will be held at the Municipal Center, Sewall Room, at 10 Bunker Hill Ave.  

LAND USE FEE STRUCTURE UPDATE
The Land Use Fee Structure for Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment Applications and Documents was approved at the March 2, 2026, Select Board meeting. The rates are effective March 3, 2026. Please refer to the  Notice of Land Use Board Fees under RSA 673:16, III

TRANSFER STATION SUMMER HOURS BEGIN APRIL 2
Starting Thursday, April 2, the Transfer Station will transition to its summer operating schedule.

The facility will be open weekly on:

• Thursdays: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

These hours will remain in effect through November.

We look forward to serving residents during the extended seasonal hours!

HERITAGE COMMISSION PROGRAM
The Story of Stuart Farm
If you've ever wondered about the rolling fields and maple-lined laneway nestled on the edge of the Squamscot River estuary, now is your opportunity to learn about this picturesque farm's dramatic evolution over four centuries.  Presentation will be given on Friday, April 10, at 7:00pm in the Morgera Room at the Stratham Fire Station.