Hollis Select Board tables cannabis license, adopts GA maximums

The Hollis Select Board tabled a cannabis license renewal for 62 Hollis Road after the code officer said the change in operator may require Planning Board review. The board adopted the state general assistance maximums, signed memos urging voters to reject a codification article, and heard updates on the interim town manager search and a new senior-focused community group.

Key points

• The board voted to table the cannabis license renewal for Eric Kaburski at 62 Hollis Road until October 21, after Code Officer Dwayne Hanson said the change in operator may require a new license and Planning Board review.
• The board adopted the general assistance ordinance maximums dated September 2026, with Administrator Ashley Dow noting food allowances rose about $8 per person while housing, heating, and other categories were largely unchanged.
• Resident Tom Wachowski raised concerns about errors in the ordinance packet; officials said the town follows the state and MMA model ordinance and that the vote covered only the yearly maximums.
• The board signed a memo unanimously recommending voters reject Article 3 on the November ballot, which would codify town ordinances, citing zoning errors identified by resident Paul Matour.
• The board signed a memo closing the Debbie J. Teft Hollis Sports Complex from dusk to dawn due to vandalism, with violators subject to prosecution.
• The board approved an EMS transportation plan confirming Hollis Fire Rescue provides municipal ambulance service, which Fire Chief Chris Young described as a state-required housekeeping item.

Next steps

• The cannabis license renewal returns to the agenda for the October 21 meeting, pending Planning Board review.
• The board will continue reviewing the draft Heat Fund application guidelines at its next meeting.
• The board will seek a definitive answer from assessor John O'Donnell on how the certified ratio affects the homestead exemption and tax bills.
• A moratorium on data centers and distribution centers is being drafted with legal language for voter ratification.
• Phil Finnamore will return with more information on the Lifelong Hollis and Kindness Committees and a possible letter of support.

Read the full transcript