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Hooksett council approves police budget amid staffing and overtime concerns
Summary
The Town Council approved a $6.15 million police budget that includes contractual wage increases, software and two new cruisers; councilors pressed department leaders on staffing, overtime and the effect of potential default budgets.
The Hooksett Town Council approved the police department's operating budget for fiscal year 2026'27 at $6,147,208 after hearing a department presentation on staffing, equipment and contractual costs.
Councilors heard from the police chief and lieutenant that the department's budget is driven largely by salaries and benefits; the proposed increase ($87,673 or about 1.45%) reflects contractual wage obligations, record-management and software contracts, and vehicle replacement. Department leaders said they have pursued cost savings where possible, including switching telephone services and buying hybrid cruisers that reduce fuel use.
Councilors asked detailed questions about staffing levels, overtime, and whether the department could operate safely with fewer officers if the town again votes a default budget. The department said overnight coverage already runs with minimal staff and that further staff reductions would impair public safety. Chief and command staff described uncontrollable overtime drivers such as injuries and extended leave, and said mutual aid from other towns is available for one-off support but not a long-term substitute for staffing.
The budget includes funds for two police cruisers and for software and records-management systems (the department identified IMC as the records system). The department also highlighted revenue lines such as detail (paid assignments) and permit fees; those revenues offset a small portion of overall costs.
A motion to approve the police budget passed on roll call.
