Tax Collector Department Proposes $342K Budget Amid Staffing Concerns

The Hooksett Town Council's recent budget review highlighted a pressing need for staffing in the tax collector's department, as officials grappled with the implications of online registration processes. During the meeting, it became clear that while online registration may seem convenient for residents, it does not alleviate the workload for staff. "We still process the registration as if the person was there," one official explained, indicating that the transition to online services has not resulted in time savings for the department.

Currently operating with one less staff member, the department's representatives emphasized the necessity of maintaining a four-person team to manage their workload effectively. They noted instances where early closures were considered due to staffing shortages, underscoring the critical nature of their staffing levels. "We actually run into a couple instances where we were gonna have to close early," one member stated, reinforcing the argument for adequate staffing.

The council also discussed potential salary savings with the hiring of a new employee, but concerns were raised about the ability to attract qualified candidates at the current pay level. "I'm concerned we won't be able to get anyone at the level we're at now," one councilor remarked, reflecting the challenges of recruitment in the current job market.

Ultimately, the council moved to accept the proposed budget for the tax collector department, totaling $342,062, while acknowledging the ongoing staffing challenges. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between budget constraints and the need for sufficient personnel to ensure efficient operations within the department. As Hooksett navigates these challenges, the implications for service delivery and community satisfaction remain at the forefront of council considerations.