Manchester City Council approves fiscal year 2025 budget with $1.3M surplus

A significant budget surplus was announced during the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting in Manchester, NH, on March 18, 2025. The city is projecting a general fund operating surplus of $1,308,000 for the fiscal year, driven by a revenue surplus of $1.8 million, primarily from increased interest income, motor vehicle registrations, and permitting fees. However, the city is also facing an expenditure deficit of $492,000, largely due to overtime costs in the police and public works departments.

Alderman Sapienza highlighted the positive revenue figures, confirming that the surplus is greater than the deficit. The city anticipates improvements in expenditure deficits before the fiscal year ends, which could further enhance the surplus. The meeting also noted that healthcare insurance costs are performing favorably against the budget, contributing to the overall positive financial outlook.

In addition to budget discussions, the board addressed recommendations from the First Amendment Coalition regarding Rule 3. Alderman Sapienza proposed sending these recommendations to the administration committee for further review, emphasizing the importance of considering the coalition's input. The motion passed with a vote of 7 to 4, indicating a divided opinion among the board members.

As the meeting concluded, discussions about community safety were briefly touched upon, reflecting ongoing concerns among residents. The board's decisions and discussions signal a proactive approach to managing the city's finances while also addressing community issues.