People hoping to enjoy Cunningham Pond this summer who don’t live in Peterborough will be paying more to do so, after Select Board members approved a Recreation Department proposal on Tuesday increasing the fee for non-resident vehicle stickers from $150 to $185.

“Last year, the non-resident stickers sold out in two weeks,” said Recreation Director Craig  Fraley, adding that he expected that this would continue at a slightly higher cost.

One Peterborough resident pushed back against non-residents using the pond at any cost. 

“Mrs. Thompson gave us the pond for the town’s use, and it seems that some people aren’t treating it well,” said Randy Homan. “I’d like to see it be for the town.”

There was nothing identified to suggest that any litter or other issues at the pond were the result of non-residents using the beach. The Thompson family donated the pond for “the use of the town” three decades ago, as noted in Select Board minutes in 2018.

“I’ve never seen the parking lot there full, so we have room for others to enjoy it,” said Fraley.

Fraley added that the fleet of kayaks is showing wear, and proposed that the hourly fee for a single one this year be $7, up from $5, as they look to replace the kayaks, which the board also approved.

Spending articles reviewed

The board reviewed Articles 3 to 13 for fiscal 2026 which, if approved by voters, would raise $10.55 million in taxation. Among the major drivers of costs are debt service for the fire station construction bond of $950,591, and increases of health insurance premiums by 10.5% and property  and liability coverage up 9%. 

Director of Town Finance Lilli Gilligan said that the Pay-As-You-Throw Special Revenue Fund is short $90,000, which has resulted in a warrant article seeking $113,672 for that fund. On Wednesday, Town Administrator Nicole McStay cited two reasons for this shortfall – fewer blue bags required for trash disposal being sold since the increase in their price, and the cost of hauling trash away increasing to the point that it will be absorbed into the operating budget.