Budget Review Committee Meeting - June 11, 2026

The Nashua Budget Review Committee met on June 11, 2026, at 7:05 PM in the Aldermanic Chamber, adjourning at 9:46 PM. The committee considered the proposed FY2027 budget (R-26-028) and addressed several motions to amend line items. The meeting included public comment, a report from the mayor, and extensive debate on 14 motions, resulting in a net reduction of $265,473 from the mayor's proposed general fund budget. The final recommended budget totals $384,022,842, a 6.36% increase over FY2026.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Keating (5 Coburn Woods Drive) spoke about the need to address homelessness, noting the $383 million budget has no new funding for housing despite extensive community discussion. He urged the committee to consider low-cost solutions like allowing people to not live in woods or between buildings, and suggested reallocating funds from infrastructure projects (e.g., $17 million for hydroelectric plant and fishways) toward housing.

Discussion Items

• Mayor's Report on Economic Development Staffing: The mayor reported that Nashua's economic development department (1.5 staff) is significantly smaller than comparable cities: Lowell has 10 staff, Manchester has 4.5 plus $300,000 for events and $1 million marketing, and Dover (one-third Nashua's size) has 3 staff. The mayor stated that if the board wants more economic development, more resources are needed.
• Motion to Reinstate Unaffiliated Firefighter Wage Increases: Alderman Kelly moved to increase department 152 line 5110 by $11,009 (wages) and associated FICA, pension, and benefits costs (totaling $14,417). The fire chief confirmed the increases were removed in the mayor's proposal. After discussion, the motion passed.
• Motion to Reduce Encampment Cleanup Funding: Alderman Kelly moved to reduce risk department (128) line 53130 by $110,000, citing the city's camping ban should reduce need. Director Cummings noted that hazardous material cleanups can cost $10,000–$30,000 each and that only $3,000 had been spent this year. The motion was amended to $100,000 and passed.
• Motion to Cut Administrative Services Division by $1.5 Million: Alderman Johnson proposed a bottom-line cut, arguing the budget increase is too high. Several members opposed blanket cuts, citing statutory requirements and risk of violating mandates. The motion failed.
• Motion to Cut Mayor's Office by 3% ($12,947.49): Alderman Kelly proposed a bottom-line cut, noting the mayor's three percent directive. The chief of staff explained the office's non-salary budget is only $15,850, and a cut would likely require reducing staff hours. The motion failed.
• Motion to Cut School Department by $4 Million: Alderman Johnson proposed a bottom-line cut, citing declining enrollment and concerns about special education spending. Superintendent Dr. Andrew stated the district has already eliminated 52 positions and a $4 million cut would decimate extracurriculars, sports, and maintenance. The motion failed.
• Motion to Eliminate New Facilities Manager Position: Alderman Senate moved to reduce city buildings department (129) by $85,899 (wages and benefits for a half-year facilities manager). Director Cummings argued the position is needed to manage 14 city buildings and prevent deferred maintenance. The motion failed (2-? vote).
• Motion to Cut Economic Development Other Contracted Services by $129,000: Alderman Kelly moved to reduce the line item restored the previous night. The economic development director said it would decimate her programming. The motion failed.
• Motion to Cut Police Body Camera Funding by $900,000: Alderman Kelly moved to reduce the police budget, noting the department's original request was $295,000 and the mayor added $900,000. The deputy chief stated the current cameras are outdated and unreliable, and a new contract is needed to avoid gaps in footage. The motion failed.
• Motion to Cut Economic Development Other Contracted Services by $29,000: Alderman Senate moved to reduce the line item, leaving $100,000. The director indicated she could absorb the cut, though it would delay the Financial Empowerment Center. The motion passed.
• Motion to Cut Economic Development Marketing by $23,457: Alderman Senate moved to reduce marketing, leaving $50,000. The director argued it would hinder business recruitment. The motion failed.
• Motion to Increase Motor Vehicle Permit Fee Revenue by $500,000: Alderman Greg moved to increase the revenue projection, citing historical surpluses. The CFO advised against over-budgeting revenue, as it could lead to deficits. The motion failed.
• Motion to Add $50,000 to Mayor's Office for Strategic Communications: Alderman Kelly moved to add funds for a contracted study. The motion failed on a 3-3 vote.
• Motion to Move Hydroelectric Operations to Special Revenue Fund: Alderman Johnson proposed the change, but corporation counsel advised it is too complex for the budget committee and should be done by resolution. The motion was withdrawn.
• Motion to Amend Budget Resolution to Restore Firefighter Unaffiliated Compensation: Alderman Kelly moved to remove section 2 of the budget resolution that modified the firefighters' compensation structure. The motion passed.

Key Outcomes

• The committee voted to recommend final passage of the FY2027 budget (R-26-028) as amended to the full Board of Aldermen, with a total general fund budget of $384,022,842 (6.36% increase).
• Net reductions from all motions over two evenings totaled $265,473.
• The meeting adjourned at 9:46 PM.