Hooksett Budget Committee Meeting - October 22, 2026

The Hooksett Budget Committee met on October 22, 2026, to review and discuss the proposed budgets for the Fire Department, Department of Public Works (DPW), Parks and Recreation, and Recycling/Transfer operations. The meeting also included public comment on impact fee reductions at the Planning Board and a discussion on committee decorum. The minutes from the previous meeting (October 15, 2026) were approved with an amendment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David G. Smith (26 Martins Ray Road, Hooksett) detailed a Planning Board proposal to reduce impact fees by approximately 76%, from $880,600.32 to $193,701, a reduction of $614,899.32. He noted that the school impact fee alone would drop from $327,113 to $16,264, based on an estimated eight school-aged children from the proposed 161-unit residential project. He expressed strong opposition, calling the reduction "absurd" given the town's budget constraints and school facility needs.
• Fortune (65 Hooksett, Union 393) commented that some impact fees not spent must be refunded to developers, and a proposed mechanism to gift fees to the town could be beneficial. He noted the reduction is partly due to a set-off regulation and that the Planning Board and town legal counsel will review the proposal. He expressed support for the outcome.
• Unidentified speaker (in response) disputed Fortune's characterization, stating the builder was willing to donate only $200,000 of the $600,000 reduction, and that the original commercial building conversion should not have allowed such a large fee reduction.
• Sarah Mackey (39 Joanne Drive) raised concerns about the tone and decorum of committee members, including snaping and condescending behavior toward presenters (especially female presenters). She urged members to review video recordings and improve conduct.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Minutes (October 15, 2026): A lengthy debate occurred over the accuracy of the minutes regarding building permits and canine expenses. The committee clarified that canine expenses are 100% covered by donations, excluding overtime paid by the town. A motion to amend the minutes to change a fuel cost figure from $350 to $360 per gallon was approved. The minutes were then approved as amended.
• Fire Department Budget (2028): Presented by Town Administrator Andre Garrin, Fire Chief David Nato, and Assistant Chief Seth Miller. The recommended operating budget is $5,234,712, a 1.99% increase ($102,061) over 2027. Key points:
  • Staffing: 33 full-time and 5 part-time positions; no new positions requested. One full-time position is frozen, funded via overtime. Two new firefighters start November 2.
  • Overtime: $420,000, maintained by covering minimum staffing levels; not expected to decrease.
  • Health insurance: 12% increase assumed, but actual costs came in 2% lower; revised figures expected November 4.
  • Capital Area Mutual Fire Compact dispatching: $102,729 (half funded from ambulance revenue). Members highlighted benefits such as upgraded radio system, hazmat team, and grants.
  • Vehicle maintenance: $100,000 to keep aging apparatus (2006 engine, 2007 ladder truck) operational.
  • Hydrant leasing: Costs vary by precinct; water departments charge for hydrant use and maintenance.
  • Emergency Management division: $10,800 for training, EOC exercises, door security upgrade at safety center.
• DPW Budget (2028): Presented by Andre Garrin and DPW Director Ben Berthium. Recommended budget $5,372,437, a 5% reduction ($283,293) from 2027 due to removal of paving program. The paving program (previously $900,000/year) is proposed as a separate warrant article. Key points:
  • Highway division: $2,864,635 total. Includes road maintenance, fleet maintenance (two mechanics), town buildings, and streetlights (converted to LED, saving from $60,000 to $34,000).
  • Staffing: 4 unfilled truck driver/laborer positions (one frozen, three unfilled) due to competition with private sector; snow removal will rely on pulling crews from other departments.
  • Beavers: $2,500 for a professional trapper; beaver activity causing drainage issues.
  • Salt and sand: $252,000; salt at $3,200/ton, sand at $200/ton.
  • Town buildings: $145,250 for maintenance, pest control, utilities, etc.
  • Solar revenue: Discussion about new solar array at transfer station; revenue projections to be provided.
• Parks and Recreation Budget (2028): Recommended $819,426, a 10.31% increase ($76,556). Increases attributed to cemetery grounds repaving ($36,500 for road behind Head Cemetery), new equipment ($18,500), and health insurance. Discussion on whether to charge fees for field use by outside groups (e.g., tournaments) vs. rec leagues for town children. No decision reached.
• Recycling/Transfer Budget (2028): Recommended $1,688,376, a 1.19% increase ($67,311). Main driver: tipping fees up $26,000 (5% annual increase at incinerator). Single-stream recycling ended due to higher cost; all material now sorted on-site. Solid waste disposal fund has $810,826.
• Cemeteries: Cemetery Commission recommended $39,500 for repaving road and fertilizer/weed control.
• Old Town Hall: Discussed as sitting unused; preservation costs estimated at several million dollars; limited community support for restoration.
• Committee Rules: Member noted the Budget Committee lacks formal rules; a draft will be circulated for review at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The minutes of October 15, 2026, were approved with an amendment changing the fuel cost from $350 to $360 per gallon. The vote was unanimous.
• No Votes on Budgets: Budgets were presented and discussed but not voted on at this meeting; further review and potential revisions will occur, especially health insurance figures expected November 4.
• Jurisdiction Clarified: The Budget Committee does not have authority over impact fee assessments; such decisions lie with the Planning Board and Town Council.
• Public Input on Decorum: Chair acknowledged the need to improve meeting conduct and will enforce rules to maintain order.
• Future Agenda: Solar revenue details to be re-sent to committee members; rules discussion planned for a subsequent meeting.