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Hooksett officials present $5.24 million Fire & Rescue budget; chiefs warn of aging vehicles and rising health costs
Summary
At a Hooksett Budget Committee hearing, town administrators and the fire chief outlined a proposed $5,238,414 Fire & Rescue budget, citing a 2.13% increase driven by health-insurance cost spikes, overtime and anticipated contract changes; the chief said an older ladder truck went out of service and will require an expensive repair.
Hooksett — Town administrators and Fire & Rescue leaders presented a proposed Fire & Rescue budget of $5,238,414 to the Hooksett Budget Committee, an increase of $109,469 (about 2.13%) over the prior year.
The budget presentation focused on personnel costs and benefits, department overtime, and equipment maintenance. Town Administrator Andre Garen and Fire Chief David Nado told the committee that health-insurance costs are a major driver of the increase and union contract negotiations could further affect personnel lines.
Why this matters: rising health-insurance and benefit costs and aging apparatus affect the town’s operating budget and choices for vehicle maintenance or replacement. Committee members pressed staff for detail about how one-time and recurring costs would be covered and where budget pressure…
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