The Hooksett Conservation Commission voted to resubmit a warrant article asking voters for $20,000 to fund mandatory stewardship plans and related near-term costs for properties under the commission’s care. The commission previously prepared a $30,000 warrant article but agreed with the town administration to reduce the request amid concern about the number of warrant articles on the ballot.

The commission discussed its accounts and near-term commitments before the vote: a capital reserve balance of about $71,000 and a special reserve (operating) balance of about $524,000. Members listed committed or expected bills that will draw down those balances this fiscal year, including outstanding stewardship-plan invoices for Quimby Mountain (roughly $15,000 already billed with more to come), a Heads Pond survey ($6,500), a Hooks at Riverwalk survey ($4,400), invasive-species work (about $2,400), and additional Moosewood Ecological invoices (about $8,500). The commission also noted planned work at Clay Pond stewardship (estimated $14,000–$15,000) and an anticipated easement or stewardship transaction at Heads Pond estimated at about $30,000.

After discussion of how voters experience a long list of warrant articles, and whether to consolidate or produce a short executive-summary text for the ballot, the commission moved, seconded and approved the motion to submit a reduced warrant-article request of $20,000 for stewardship plans. The motion passed on a recorded voice vote (three in favor, one opposed). The commission also agreed to notify town administration (Andre) of the reduced amount and to follow up with more detail by email.

Members repeatedly emphasized that stewardship plans are required for conserved properties and that some of the commission's accounts already are committed to work scheduled in the coming months. Commissioners said the commission could reconsider additional funding requests in future years if needed.

The commission directed staff to resubmit the reduced warrant article, to track the committed invoices that will reduce the capital reserve through year-end, and to send the commission’s decision and rationale to the town supervisor.

The motion and vote were procedural; no spending occurred until (and unless) a warrant article is placed on the ballot and approved by voters.