Hooksett Town Council Meeting - September 16, 2026

The Hooksett Town Council met on September 16, 2026, to review proposed budgets for FY2028, discuss economic development initiatives, including sewer expansion and a potential chip manufacturer, and consider warrant articles. The meeting included presentations from department heads and public input.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting (August 2026) unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Marmon Wire and Cable Tax Credit: The town council approved a 25% business tax credit (not the requested 30%) for Marmon's facility at 18 Legends Drive. The building is 260,000 square feet, with steel halfway up. The tax credit was noted as approved.
• TIF Info Night: A TIF information night was held on September 8 (voting day) with low turnout. A revised presentation by Jim will be shared. Another info night is planned for early November; the council will finalize a date.
• Traffic Discussion: A recap of a meeting with Councilor Stevens regarding traffic improvements on Hooksett Road, Route 3A, and the toll plaza. The state has limited funds for roads. Next steps include an introduction to the governor's council on transportation.
• Bass Pro Shops Septic System: Bass Pro's septic system is failing. The TIF committee met with Bass Pro representatives (from Missouri). Bass Pro is willing to contribute funds toward extending sewer lines. A dry line exists from their building to the road. The town administrator is working on pricing. The TIF committee may present to the town council on October 14, possibly with Bass Pro and Walmart representatives.
• Vicor Potential Development at Exit 11: Vicor, a chip manufacturer from Andover, MA, has closed on the Tebo property (54 acres) at Exit 11 for approximately $7 million. They plan a 300,000-380,000 square foot facility with 680-800 employees over three shifts. They will need a variance (not rezoning) as the site is commercial. Water and sewer are available. The council discussed potential traffic impacts and the possibility of toll exemptions for employees. The project aligns with the governor's focus on chip manufacturing.
• Data Center in Bow: Chair LaLiberty noted that a data center proposed for the old coal plant in Bow could have regional impacts, including increased electrical rates. The council discussed regional impact notification processes. The Bow planning board may consider it soon.
• Budget Reviews: The council reviewed proposed budgets for FY2028 for several departments:
  • Town Clerk: $97,563 (1.14% increase). Increase due to higher pay for supervisors of the checklist and moderator; part-time hours reduced to align with election cycles.
  • Library: Proposed budget includes restoring hours to 9:30 AM–7:30 PM (from 10 AM–7 PM) and increasing collection funds. Library staffing is 77.72% of operating budget, comparable to peers. Councilor Duhaim questioned payroll efficiency; library director offered to provide role details.
  • Conservation Commission: $1,095 (same as last year). Minimal increase for training and dues.
  • Cemetery Commission: $1,402 (46% increase, $439 more). For hiring a sexton to maintain records and grounds.
  • Police Department: $6,387,879 (2.73% increase). Includes a 12% health insurance increase, reduced NH retirement costs, and a freeze on one position. Vehicle purchases shifted to a warrant article. Chief noted hybrid cruisers are now same price as gas and save $2,000-$3,000 annually in fuel.
  • Fire Department: $5,228,444 (1.87% increase). Includes a 12% health insurance increase, reduced retirement costs, and a frozen position. The department requested an additional $3,023 for professional services based on updated pricing.
• Warrant Articles: The council reviewed a list of 25 potential warrant articles, including capital reserves for vehicles, equipment, revaluation, and election poll pads. The town administrator recommended using fund balance for revaluation ($250,000) and police cruisers. Councilor Sullivan noted that combining articles had been tried and was not favored by the budget committee or voters.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Approval: The council voted (5-1) to approve the FY2028 operating budget of $22,614,964 (a 1.24% increase) and send it to the budget committee. Councilor Duhaim voted no, seeking a lower increase. The budget includes the additional $3,023 for the fire department professional services.
• MS 535 Financial Report: The council unanimously approved signing the MS 535 report for the period ending June 30, 2026, showing an unassigned fund balance of $7.3 million (up from $5.6 million). The council will decide later on applying excess fund balance to tax rates or warrant articles.
• Next Steps: The TIF committee will present to the town council on October 14, 2026, regarding sewer expansion with potential business contributions. The budget committee will review the proposed budget in October and November. The next town council meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2026.