[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6397498,"mediaKeyId","2092518-4aa6c10a6e0c255a734ce095560919a9","parentId",2092518,"title","New assessing contract replaces terminated vendor; committee approves higher line to reflect new bid","audioSeconds",267,"startMs",4501000,"endMs",4768000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092518-4aa6c10a6e0c255a734ce095560919a9&start=4501&end=4768","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092518-4aa6c10a6e0c255a734ce095560919a9/thumbnail_4501000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6397498/Kingston/Rockingham-County/New-Hampshire/New-assessing-contract-replaces-terminated-vendor-committee-approves-higher-line-to-reflect-new-bid","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397498-3a680482bf4a30370d38f4d0e720c809/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144028&Signature=mzD9c1gW8mwZIeqe~OT33tRbwTgaXLjvw0kuLWzz7~ado39x~PALyedFfniokFZT3vKCjGDwbMBHqGwcwByPm1oNspW7m3E4INV-O2pmNcBX0pBhkdSQ1aZI7GILdnKuFt1-exzzu9H1l3l4FzgdZpWuKOIqxmikCvjE0JmxJunKsg29KVQBGHU-He~JXAJOon9euuY0tw5S2t9iXZO7yB~QAR-MRnRmz6NmQt0E7ROtWKKVn6O0jkSXSp20lP6EuewaURoVCf5tjOyNs~x7y2OWKeb-utSsozrqyCydASVOnw4lG7Nmw7mQknptigUpo3NFGlWXZ9~8AkaNDA9vlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Kingston NH","date","2025-01-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Kingston Budget Committee approved an updated assessing budget Wednesday after the town’s prior assessing contractor notified officials it would not renew its 2024 contract.

Finance staff told the committee they solicited bids and the next‑ranked bidder agreed to hold its 2024 rates; the new contractor’s proposal itemized annual staffing and inspection work differently and produced an estimated total that raised the assessing line to roughly $66,800. Finance staff said the apparent decrease in one line (compared to the terminated contractor) reflects that the replacement firm does not need to repeat earlier groundwork done by the previous assessor, but the total estimated annual cost — including parcel inspections and staffing — increases compared to the previous contract.

Committee members voted to incorporate the replacement contract and the updated number into the proposed budget so the town will have an assessor in place before the budget is finalized.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kingston, New Hampshire - Budget Committee - January 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Following notice that the town’s 2024 assessor terminated its contract, the budget committee approved a replacement contract and added roughly $2,000–$4,000 to the assessing budget to reflect the new vendor’s pricing and inspection invoicing.","taxTitle","Kingston, Rockingham County, New Hampshire","taxId",54738,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6397503,"Budget committee splits on wage‑matrix implementation; sets $30,000 contingency and raises town clerk salary to $104,000",507,2530000,3037000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092518-4aa6c10a6e0c255a734ce095560919a9&start=2530&end=3037","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092518-4aa6c10a6e0c255a734ce095560919a9/thumbnail_2530000.jpg","/articles/6397503/Kingston/Rockingham-County/New-Hampshire/Budget-committee-splits-on-wagematrix-implementation-sets-30000-contingency-and-raises-town-clerk-salary-to-104000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397503-fb79b68df26fa601af007e4537712719/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144028&Signature=eXcQBSywOgkv2KZTdKMeFbRGdXdVppPHKU98rQt6BFd3ESi4L4KX-5jr2f38LSLz99aerT6P7~msPTUWRurOTUwEizFkKpxe6XkolmYjzgw21J-pTskusykHL-Xmft5I-ai06~a~6CuJq0xpPJMY0c-yXYT6n7W2FhjM1RxRgyUuf5sY36N2C54zL0Y1KY-gio~MBklDhRWkhOo90F6S9Qw4XHLCVf~gBpUU4O2kRJoyD66kvQA-W7cwPZK3f~Iq9at6s3e~YYiBx70uatqSIE5d-WXGDLkURAvqIHNv-zEqgU1XeZyX1mz4rm5T7oX-~HdYhvxadEBBi9c1hcRnsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingston Budget Committee spent more than an hour Wednesday debating how to implement a multi‑department wage matrix and how to remedy widely divergent salaries across town government. Committee members voted to set aside $30,000 in contingency funds to address salary adjustments for town‑hall and public‑works employees and approved a separate motion to raise the town clerk/tax collector’s 2025 salary to $104,000 (that number was adopted as the committee’s recommendation and was stated as inclusive of the already budgeted COLA).

Town clerk Tammy told the committee she had delayed putting raises in prior budgets while the wage‑matrix effort continued and asked the committee for direction. Tammy said in an emailed statement read to the committee she “propose[d] adding a cap of 3% for increases across all departments for increased salaries,” adding that the matrix had not been formally adopted and that applying it piecemeal would be unfair.

Several budget committee members and select‑board members described the matrix work as thorough but incomplete for some town positions. One select‑board member proposed putting $30,000 into contingency to allow department heads and the select board time through the spring to evaluate employees whose duties cross multiple job descriptions; he told the committee, “I would propose to my colleagues that we put in $30,000, and I wanted to put it in contingency.” The committee approved the $30,000 contingency for executive use by vote.

On the town clerk salary, an initial motion to set the elected official’s salary at $114,000 was amended on the floor to $104,000 (amendment explained as inclusive of COLA). The amended figure was accepted by Tammy, who said she would be “ecstatic” to accept $104,000; the committee then approved the amended figure by a 6–4 vote.

Committee members repeatedly cautioned that the town must develop consistent job descriptions and a clear implementation plan before fully deploying the wage matrix. The committee directed select‑board and department‑head follow up, and asked the finance director to monitor benefit and tax impacts of any salary changes.

The $30,000 contingency will appear in the proposed budget for the public hearing; unspent funds will be returned to the general fund if not used.","After a lengthy debate over the town’s wage matrix and how to handle employees whose duties do not match job titles, the Kingston Budget Committee approved a $30,000 contingency for town‑hall and public‑works salary adjustments and voted to raise the town clerk/tax collector’s 2025 salary to $104,000 (inclusive of COLA).",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6397508,"Kingston police chief requests $10,000 overtime increase to cover staffing gaps; budget committee approves",516,1912000,2428000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092518-4aa6c10a6e0c255a734ce095560919a9&start=1912&end=2428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092518-4aa6c10a6e0c255a734ce095560919a9/thumbnail_1912000.jpg","/articles/6397508/Kingston/Rockingham-County/New-Hampshire/Kingston-police-chief-requests-10000-overtime-increase-to-cover-staffing-gaps-budget-committee-approves","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397508-4b7b9fb0b5e9084e1075c48efed5a318/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144028&Signature=AwmbvNq~fzTT5mo7m7g57ROnCz24gPNqzNprGXnfi04wxEeJYGKwTiZiUv3L8RKcjSrTOOvUNib65~bDpz7yecLDq3cS4Xmp3HuBA25wNf8j4cpycLgHTi0ryUVOwcxOWmYRbOs6E~8YVN3ZaSVbI4t03Y69j-TsUBBaNO2MfDxnJ1~L8SWc6lGJI198SddouORxtrohzaZjm3gCJHfnypIxkHAXiAaiDqvysaFPwrCKksmqDieosOUyXY9T~iKuoGfmZKpnoM3XLBFYilqhHJVoXbohUA4HkcUzsGe23eWy9necfvonKyre7n6SOuKKUuYuaqJOiNZrLH-jVKv4ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kingston’s police chief told the Budget Committee Wednesday that short‑staffing and extended absences have driven overtime costs above budget and asked the committee to add $10,000 to the department’s overtime account for 2025. The committee approved the request.

At the Jan. 8 meeting, the police chief described multiple staffing pressures: two newer officers who must ride with certified officers until they graduate the academy, a full‑time officer on medical leave, and part‑time staff who are unavailable for all needed shifts. The chief said he had already used significant overtime in late 2024 and asked the committee to add $10,000 to the department’s overtime line for the coming year, explaining, “I’m looking for an additional, $10,000 in my overtime budget.”

Committee members pressed for detail on vacation liabilities and alternatives such as contracting with neighboring agencies, and several members said they would take the staffing and vacation questions to the select board if necessary. Members noted the cost of outside coverage (county or neighboring towns) would likely be higher than adding overtime.

After discussion the committee voted to add $10,000 to the police overtime budget; the motion carried and was incorporated into the proposed budget the committee approved for the public hearing.

The committee also discussed the broader staffing picture, including carried‑over vacation time and certification timelines for junior officers, and asked town leadership to continue work on recruitment and scheduling to reduce long‑term overtime needs.","Kingston’s police chief asked the budget committee for an additional $10,000 in overtime to fill shifts while several officers are unavailable. The committee approved the increase.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6397512,"Kingston budget committee adds $1,116 for museum public-safety detail; $600 minute-taker request fails",1137,171000,1308000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092518-4aa6c10a6e0c255a734ce095560919a9&start=171&end=1308","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092518-4aa6c10a6e0c255a734ce095560919a9/thumbnail_171000.jpg","/articles/6397512/Kingston/Rockingham-County/New-Hampshire/Kingston-budget-committee-adds-1116-for-museum-public-safety-detail-600-minute-taker-request-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6397512-bbd34ca161bd9923c9f7ad0e53902fa5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771144028&Signature=TyEWjkiyB~IZnzHJLTz3-ngIXYQAvtAgT6Kv7Y4wDJnEhZGQPszgnyLd7Zy1wLPwiq-aLKGm4fXrXc50DXY6GMT2CQ9QHAqOcW2xMQIEHfXGVOq2DUjsuax~fBSJn9n4hBotkofhRj1MAstH6dQvt96vO1oyDTh4lEyW8MBM5w5r8mFkk9ws81rEkKR-2ZdDTFAzxBQgRXknJp1PPQNx6VBUxrpMOe00nnTuj2TaOgNeiaCfrH8GdqO6fUpsDERzLigUU4NyVql4mElfg8LOxpuzs-IVpGrDfVqF0ZkB6Jq9MxsYGHEycNF4T4uIUs0EDSutywbYBNxJ~0cM9XPYhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingston Budget Committee voted Wednesday to add $1,116 to the museum’s 2025 budget to fund police and fire public‑safety detail for up to two planned events, but declined a separate $600 request for a paid recording secretary.

The vote, taken during the committee’s Jan. 8 meeting, followed remarks from Jeff, a museum representative, who told the committee the museum expects to host a barn‑opening event and possibly another public event and that “these are non fundraising events.” Jeff said the Friends of the Museum would provide volunteers and asked the panel to budget for a public‑safety detail in case the police chief requires it.

Committee members asked how many hours and how many officers would be required. A discussion with town staff estimated two officers and two emergency‑medical technicians for roughly three hours per event; that scenario produced an estimate near $1,116 to cover two events. After a motion to add $1,116 to the museum budget, the committee approved the increase by voice vote, 7 to 3.

Separately, the museum asked for $600 for a recording secretary because the group’s long‑time volunteer secretary cannot continue. Committee members and the select board representative raised a procedural concern: the museum had already hired and paid someone before the new line item was approved for 2025, and the committee’s finance representative warned that committees should not spend money from a line item that had not been appropriated. The committee put the $600 motion to a vote and the motion did not pass at the meeting.

Committee chair Stacy Dion noted the select board has authority to move money if necessary and asked the museum to raise the timing and authorization question with the select board if they were already spending funds before voter approval.

The committee incorporated the $1,116 increase into the museum line when it approved department totals later in the meeting; the recording‑secretary request was not added.","The budget committee voted to add $1,116 to the Kingston Museum budget to cover police/fire detail for up to two events but rejected a separate $600 request for a recording secretary. Museum representatives said events are expected to be free, not fundraising.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

New assessing contract replaces terminated vendor; committee approves higher line to reflect new bid

Budget committee splits on wage‑matrix implementation; sets $30,000 contingency and raises town clerk salary to $104,000

Kingston police chief requests $10,000 overtime increase to cover staffing gaps; budget committee approves

Kingston budget committee adds $1,116 for museum public-safety detail; $600 minute-taker request fails