Bellingham Board of Health advances $300,000 septic loan request to town meeting

BELLINGHAM — February 17, 2026 — Bellingham Board of Health moves $300,000 septic loan renewal toward town meeting and weighs first member pay raise in years. The board voted Tuesday to advance a state-funded $300,000 betterment loan replenishment article to town meeting, drawing on a program Chair Richard Monell said Bellingham has operated since 1995 and that now has only three participating communities statewide. Residents borrow at 3 percent interest for septic replacements, with no cost to the town's general fund. Health Agent Dylan Levante reported all food establishment permits are now issued for the year and announced plans for a two-week inspection blitz and a formal time study to support a future request to hire a dedicated food inspector. The board also approved a motion to bring a stipend increase request — from $700 to $2,500 per member annually — before the Finance Committee, with Monell noting no raise has come through in at least his three years on the board.