Town Council Approves Administrative Budget Cut Amid Historic Society Funding Reductions

The Hooksett Town Council convened on September 3, 2025, to review the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting focused on various budgetary allocations and the implications of recent cuts to community support programs.

The council discussed the necessity of reducing the budget to meet a target of $3.7 million, which resulted in significant sacrifices. Notably, funding for several historically supported entities, including the Memorial Day Parade, the Hooksett Historical Society, Old Home Day, and the Heritage Commission, has been either reduced or eliminated entirely. Collectively, these cuts amount to over $20,000 in savings.

During the meeting, a council member raised a question regarding the potential for Block 5, a managed services provider, to assist in creating an inventory of software licenses. While the provider has been helpful in the past, it was noted that any additional services would likely incur extra charges beyond their existing contract.

The discussion also touched on the financial status of the Heritage Commission, which, despite the proposed cuts, has a healthy balance of approximately $49,000 in its account. This financial cushion means that the loss of $6,000 in funding will not be detrimental to their operations.

Following these discussions, a motion was made to approve the administrative budget at $1,827,000. The motion received a second, and after a brief opportunity for further comments, the council proceeded to a voice vote. The motion passed, although one council member expressed opposition.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on health insurance rates, highlighting the variability in costs that municipalities face. The council acknowledged the unpredictability of future claims and premiums, emphasizing the importance of being part of a pooled insurance arrangement to mitigate risks.

Overall, the meeting underscored the challenges faced by the Hooksett Town Council in balancing budgetary constraints with community support, while also addressing the complexities of municipal insurance costs. The council will continue to monitor these issues as they finalize the budget for the upcoming year.