The Nashua Board of Aldermen voted 13–2 on Jan. 7 to approve a supplemental appropriation of $4,520,000 of assigned fund balance for a package of capital projects, after removing a $225,000 commuter-rail feasibility study and a $500,000 Spruce Street connector match from the original $5,245,000 proposal.

The supplemental resolution, R-24-115, funds a mix of repairs, design work and grant matches city officials described as time-sensitive or required to secure outside funds. Director of Administrative Services Tim Cummings told the board the money comes from surplus revenue and that the intention is to use cash rather than new borrowing for the listed projects.

Why it matters: Directors and department heads warned that several items are repairs and compliance work that could lead to larger failures or lost grant opportunities if delayed. The approved package will pay for projects including Greeley Park stone house and bandshell work, epoxy floors for several municipal pools, preliminary design for hydropower fish‑passage upgrades, a $325,000 school deferred‑maintenance study, city‑hall HVAC work and several other equipment and match items.

Director Cummings said the city has been “prioritizing projects that are best paid in cash” and that the adopted plan keeps the fund balance healthy while preserving the city’s ability to meet matching requirements for state and federal grants.

Greeley Park: Parks staff and consultants told aldermen the Stone House — built in 1911 — needs a new roof, structural repairs and accessible bathrooms. Parks director Lisa Foto and Park Superintendent Brian Conant described widespread deterioration and told the board the engineering estimate for the work is roughly $995,000; about half that would be for the roof and the other half for bathroom replacement and ADA upgrades.

Pools and recreation: The package includes $75,000 to install epoxy surfaces in locker rooms at three pools and to replace a 1923 wading pool that officials say is repeatedly failing and costly to patch.

Hydropower relicensing: Director Matt Sullivan described required upgrades at the Jackson Mills and Mine Falls hydroelectric facilities tied to federal relicensing. He said design work is estimated at $500,000 to refine construction costs on fish‑passage and other regulatory compliance work. "These improvements are required as part of our relicensing…we are going to be required to do this work," Sullivan said.

Public transit and rail: The board debated a $225,000 commuter‑rail feasibility study that had been proposed as a "Nashua‑first" scope to analyze ridership, capital and operating costs and agency coordination. Director Sullivan summarized recent outreach with the MBTA, the Federal Transit Administration and state DOTs and said the city’s earlier $75,000 work with consultant AECOM produced “positive indicators” and that the additional study would create a document the city could use to seek federal or agency support later.

Opponents and supporters: Several members of the public urged the board not to spend the money on another rail study. Karen Bill, a resident, called the proposed study a repeat of prior work and described earlier estimates she said showed rail to be a “money pit.” Laura Conan and other speakers urged saving the unassigned fund balance to lower the tax rate. Alderman John Moran moved to remove the commuter‑rail item; that amendment passed 8–7. Alderman Michael Tobey and others argued the study would help maintain momentum with regional partners; supporters included Alderman O’Brien, who called a Nashua‑only approach “a piece of the chessboard” for longer‑term economic development.

Grant matches and transportation: The board also removed a $500,000 Spruce Street connector match after discussion; Aldermen were told parts of that project and the related Heritage Rail Trail East design are at differing levels of readiness. Engineering staff said Heritage Rail Trail East is further along in preliminary design and would be more at risk if the board declined the match. The board voted to remove the connector match in a separate motion.

Public safety, IT and buildings: The board approved funds for police and fire equipment and building repairs. Police Chief Kevin Roark requested $15,000 to replace a failing phone‑logger system that records 911 and business‑line calls; Chief Roark also described a $30,000 camera replacement need after vendor support lapsed. Fire Chief Steve Buxton requested $100,000 for deferred capital work focused on HVAC repairs at fire stations and said immediate work of roughly $60,000 was already required. City Chief Information Officer Nick Mysiewicz urged replacement of aging Kronos time clocks and migration of the payroll system before vendor support ends.

Schools: Superintendent Maury Randrade and Plant Operations Director Sean Smith described a $325,000 facility‑master‑plan study to assess 18 schools and create a prioritized long‑range plan for roofs, HVAC, building envelopes and other systems. Smith told aldermen the average school was built decades ago and that a comprehensive assessment is overdue.

Board action and votes: Alderman Dowd made the motion to recommend final approval of R‑24‑115. The board removed two items by separate votes: the $225,000 commuter‑rail feasibility study (amendment passed 8–7) and the $500,000 Spruce Street connector match (voice vote). Final passage of R‑24‑115 as amended carried by roll call vote, 13–2 (No: Alderman Thibodeaux; Alderman Sullivan).

What’s next: Directors said approved funds will be used to begin design, hire consultants and meet matching requirements; some projects will require later bidding or bonding. Several directors said a separate public hearing would be necessary if aldermen later try to reallocate line items.

Aldermanic context: The meeting included an extended public‑comment period with multiple speakers concerned about tax increases and use of unassigned fund balance. The resolution discussion followed an ad hoc capital committee process last year; some aldermen said the amended package hewed closer to that committee’s priorities, while others said more of the package should be delayed until the next budget.

The board adjourned at 10:55 p.m.