Nashua Board of Aldermen Meeting – August 25, 2026

The Board of Aldermen met on August 25, 2026, to consider three resolutions involving budget transfers and an increase in the motor vehicle permit fee cap for road and highway expenditures. The meeting included public comment on street lighting, extensive discussion on budgeting philosophy, and votes on all items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill Ferriot (35 Indian Rock Road) questioned resolution R 26-055, which removes $76,000 from the street lighting budget. He asked how the $76,000 became available when the budget had been developed months earlier, expressed concern that the mayor had previously said no to turning off street lights, and wanted to know the plan for the removed funds and the basis for the original street lighting budget.

Discussion Items

• R 26-053 – Amending Special Revenue Fund for Road and Highway Expenditures: This resolution increases the annual amount of motor vehicle permit fees transferred into the special revenue fund from $1 million to $2 million, effective FY27. Director of Administrative Services Tim Cummings clarified that the legislation sets a cap; the city may appropriate up to $2 million from this source annually, but cannot exceed that amount. Alderman Clay and Alderman Kleiner raised concerns about the language implying a mandatory increase vs. a cap. Cummings noted that if the board wanted to insert “up to” language it would require another public hearing. Alderman Johnson expressed frustration with line items for positions never filled leading to end-of-year surpluses, while Alderman Thibault argued that budgeting for expected hires is responsible and that cutting empty positions would harm departments. Alderman Kleiner highlighted that vacancies often lead to overtime costs, making the original budget necessary. The debate also touched on health benefits surplus management. The motion to recommend final passage carried on a voice vote (one opposed heard).
• R 26-055 – Transfer of $85,100 for Hydrant Fee Increase: This resolution transfers $9,100 from Department 123 (Assessing, consulting services) and $76,000 from Department 162 (Street Lighting, electricity) to Department 159 (Hydrant Protection) to cover increased hydrant fees charged by the Pennichuck water utility. Alderman Johnson opposed the transfer, calling it a “shell game” and requesting a full accounting before the full board vote. Alderman Thibault and Director Cummings defended the transfer as fiscally sound – using surplus from variable line items to cover an unexpected obligation. Lisa Carl (Accounting Manager) explained that street lighting costs vary and hydrant fees were unknown at budget time, making the transfer a practical solution. The motion carried on a voice vote with one audible nay (Alderman Johnson).
• R 26-056 – Transfer of $10,500 for Citywide Communications Salaries: This resolution transfers $10,500 from citywide communications contingency to salaries and wages to fund a finalized union negotiation. The move was described as a routine action. No discussion or opposition. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• R 26-053 was recommended for final passage to the full Board of Aldermen (voice vote, one opposed). The increase from $1 million to $2 million in motor vehicle permit fee transfers will take effect in FY27.
• R 26-055 was recommended for final passage (voice vote, one opposed). The full board will vote after Alderman Johnson’s request for a complete accounting is addressed.
• R 26-056 was recommended for final passage unanimously.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.