Portsmouth Town Council reviews $76.9M provisional budget ahead of June adoption

The Portsmouth Town Council meeting on June 11, 2025, focused primarily on the review of the town's provisional budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The council members were present and engaged in discussions regarding the financial plan, which is set to be finalized at the next meeting on June 23.

The proposed budget totals $76,940,969, reflecting a 3.4% increase in expenditures from the previous year. This budget includes adjustments to the residential and commercial property tax rates, which will be set at $13.283 per thousand in assessed value, a slight increase from the previous rate of $13.181. The overall property levy is projected to increase by 1.701%, remaining below the state-imposed cap.

Key components of the budget include allocations for general government operations, public safety, public works, and recreation. The general government budget is provisionally set at $6,740,622, while public safety, which encompasses police and fire services, is allocated $17,410,556. Public works, responsible for road maintenance and snow removal, has a budget of $4,850,135.

The school budget is also a significant part of the overall financial plan, with a local appropriation of $39,407,902. Additional funding sources include federal impact aid and state aid, which are expected to total over $3.8 million. The total school budget, combining unrestricted and restricted funds, is provisionally approved at $48,232,127.

The meeting also touched on enterprise funds, including the Lehi Farm Equestrian Center and the Headley Street transfer station, which have their own revenue projections and budgets.

Overall, the council's discussions highlighted a balanced budget that aims to meet the needs of the community while adhering to financial regulations. The final budget adoption is anticipated to take place at the upcoming council meeting, where any adjustments based on state budget approvals will also be addressed.