KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Cheshire County Administrator Chris Coates and New Hampshire Association of Realtors President Josh Greenwald teamed up on “Saturday Morning Live” on WKBK Radio over the weekend, leading a wide-ranging discussion that blended community resources, upcoming local events, and ongoing concerns about rising property taxes.

During the first hour, Coates and Greenwald welcomed representatives from the New Hampshire Care Collaborative, an organization that provides support for older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and veterans across the Monadnock Region and Sullivan County.

Kayla Wainio, center manager for the Monadnock Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), and Carolyn DeBell, a veteran-directed service worker, outlined the Collaborative’s programs. They explained that the ADRC serves as a central hub for information and referrals, helping residents navigate everything from housing applications and utility assistance to Medicare and Medicaid paperwork.

Wainio highlighted the agency’s Family Caregiver Support Program, which offers guidance, limited case management, and financial assistance for respite care and other services designed to prevent caregiver burnout. DeBell detailed the Veterans Directed Care program, which allows eligible veterans to remain in their homes while managing their own care, including hiring family members or trusted individuals for assistance.

The conversation also emphasized the complexity of Medicare and the importance of counseling services, including monthly “New to Medicare” workshops and one-on-one advising during the annual open enrollment period.

Coates and Greenwald also used the program to promote a public forum scheduled for Wednesday evening at Heberton Hall, where local and state officials are expected to discuss the financial impact of state policies on municipal budgets and property taxes.

In the second hour, the focus shifted more directly to those tax concerns. Coates, who also serves as a county official, discussed what he described as decades of “downshifting,” where the state has reduced its financial contributions to programs such as retirement systems and education, leaving local governments to absorb the costs.

Guest Jack Wozniak added that local property taxes have risen significantly in recent years, while state support has declined. He pointed to billions of dollars in what he characterized as shifted costs over time, arguing that municipalities are left with limited options as they are still required to provide essential services.

The discussion included the historical reduction of state contributions to the New Hampshire Retirement System and changes to education funding formulas, both of which speakers said have contributed to increased pressure on local taxpayers.

Despite those challenges, Coates said local officials continue to scrutinize budgets closely, balancing statutory obligations with efforts to control spending. Still, both hosts stressed the importance of public awareness and engagement, encouraging listeners to attend the upcoming forum and stay informed about how state-level decisions affect local tax bills.

The program maintained a conversational tone throughout, with moments of humor and local commentary mixed in with detailed policy discussions—hallmarks of the long-running Saturday morning broadcast.

Listen to the full program: