Special Board of Aldermen Meeting: Public Hearing on FY2027 Budget - June 9, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on June 8, 2026, but the provided metadata specifies June 9, 2026. This discrepancy is noted as per instructions.

The Nashua Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on June 9, 2026, for a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The hearing featured a presentation by Mayor Jim Donchues and public comments on each city department's budget. The overall proposed general fund budget is $384 million, a 6.4% increase over FY2026, driven largely by rising fixed costs such as health insurance, special education services, transportation, and county taxes. The meeting concluded with a motion to table the budget (R26028), which passed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Fred T-Boom (resident) criticized the 6.43% budget increase versus the mayor's 3% guideline, arguing the city has 1,266 employees vs. a recommended 926, and projected a 7.5% tax rate. He recommended reducing staff by 971 positions. The mayor responded that such cuts would require layoffs of 100 cops, 100 firefighters, and 500 teachers.
• Chesley Marvin (10 Marion Lane) suggested raising parking rates from $1.50/hour to generate additional revenue for schools, noting that parking operations are subsidized.
• Bill Ferriot (35 Indian Rock Road) questioned why the mayor's own office exceeded the 3% guideline, and asked about inaccurate Social Security/Medicare/pension calculations in the budget book. The mayor acknowledged adjustments were needed.
• Gary Hoffman (38 Perham Street) supported the mayor, noting that health insurance increases (9%) are beyond city control.
• Lori Ortolano (Nashua) opposed the budget, citing a 7.4% tax increase costing the average homeowner $600. She criticized positions (e.g., Strategic Communications Director), the overlay account, and high unaffiliated salaries, suggesting reduced services.
• Beth Scar (Nashua) expressed concern that legal expenses from outside law firms are not shown in the Corporation Counsel budget.
• Kevin Fitzpatrick (55 Shelley Drive) opposed service reductions, arguing that residents need more services during economic recession.
• Lou Juris (Hain Street) defended city officials and criticized state funding cuts for education and pensions.
• Sharon Giulio (29 Tashero Boulevard, Board of Education) asked what the county provides for the $18 million tax payment; the mayor listed county jail, nursing home, and sheriff.
• Stephen Scare (11 East Hobart Street) questioned the $900,000 body camera allocation for police, noting a discrepancy with the budget book ($1.195 million). Deputy Chief Kenny explained the need for an overlap in vendor transition.
• Stephen Scare also asked about the fire alarm system cost; Chief Buxton said it is well-maintained and used daily.
• Lori Ortolano supported fire department staffing but noted difficulty in adding new positions given the overall budget increase.
• Bill Ferriot criticized the city's electricity cost estimates, contrasting with the school department's detailed approach.
• Stephen Scare raised concerns about public library staffing levels and director salary; Director McCormick defended them.
• Marina Vaz (1 Clocktower Place) praised the library as a community resource.
• Lori Ortolano criticized Community Development for high turnover, the sustainability program, and the hydroelectric project, calling it unprofitable.
• Fred T-Boom argued the hydroelectric project should be a special revenue fund and divested. Mayor and Director Sullivan defended the project, citing green power and future planning.
• Stephen Scare criticized the Public Health newsletter for DEI and transgender content, questioning spending.
• Lori Ortolano said Public Health has too many positions.
• Fred T-Boom questioned Superintendent Dr. Andre's salary ($197,940) vs. assistant superintendent ($140,800), and asked about two technical directors. Dr. Andre and Mr. Gray explained the roles and need for positions.
• Lori Ortolano criticized the lack of school closures despite declining enrollment, urging more expedient decisions.
• Sharon Gelio (BOE) defended the need for 56 staff cuts, citing higher student needs and difficulty hiring.
• Regina Lampier (237 Brook Village Row, BOE) defended school administrators.
• Parent Alex Samola (Nashua) asked who will care for children if the city stops investing.
• Beth Scar questioned why families use education freedom accounts; Superintendent Gray explained the loss of state aid and fixed costs not reduced.
• Bill Ferriot asked about transportation efficiency and contract staffing; Mr. Gray described start time considerations and hiring challenges.
• Gary Hoffman advocated for state funding of ELL and special education.
• Stephen Scare challenged contract services numbers and suggested special education teachers prefer agencies due to workload.
• Bill Ferriot asked about interest income estimation; Mayor explained conservative budgeting and surplus use for tax rate buy-down.
• Lori Ortolano criticized lack of transparency in financial reporting and right-to-know process.
• Fred T-Boom challenged Administrative Services' 16.47% increase; Director Cummings cited risk management costs and building consolidation.
• Lori Ortolano criticized the right-to-know administrator's accessibility and urged moving the position.
• Fred T-Boom returned to school budget, noting non-teaching staff (1,097) exceeds teaching staff (958), and questioned why more administrators aren't cut. He also noted a 17% decline in total students but only 3% reduction in teachers, with increases in special education (+379) and ELL (+936).

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Budget Overview: Mayor Donchues presented a $384 million general fund, 6.4% increase. Key drivers: health insurance (+$3.4M, 7.5%), special ed contracts (+$1.8M, 51%), school transportation (+$1.7M, 16%), out-of-district tuition (+$1M, 16%), county tax (+$1.7M, 10%), liability insurance (19.5%), landfill debt service (+$1.35M), and new police body cameras ($900K). Efforts to reduce costs: school department cutting 56 positions, IT consolidation ($100K savings), and reductions in various city accounts totaling $4.7M.
• Departmental Q&A: Each department was discussed with public comments as detailed above. The board and city officials responded to questions.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Table: Alderman O'Brien moved to table Resolution R26028 (the FY2027 budget) by roll call, which passed unanimously. The budget hearing was adjourned at 10:41 PM.
• Next Steps: The budget will be considered by the Budget Committee and Board of Aldermen in subsequent meetings. The mayor noted that adjustments to the budget book (e.g., Social Security/Medicare calculations) have been submitted to the committee.