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Council amends 2022 bond purpose to cover full municipal complex work; vote 8–1
Summary
The council voted to amend a 2022 bond authorization so remaining funds may be spent on municipal-complex feasibility and design work rather than only on a stand-alone police facility; the council emphasized no additional borrowing is authorized by the amendment.
Portsmouth City Council on Monday adopted a resolution amending the purpose of a bond authorization the council originally approved in April 2022 so that any remaining authorized funds may be spent on design and feasibility work for the broader municipal complex rather than solely on a police facility.
Nathan Lenny of the finance department reviewed the bond history: the 2022 authorization totaled $1.4 million; the city has issued $200,000 in June 2023, $300,000 in June 2024 and $400,000 in June 2025 and has expended $451,696.58 to date. Lenny said bond counsel advised that the city should clarify the authorized purpose so work on the entire municipal complex can proceed using the remainder of the authorization without needing a new authorization. "It really is simply clarifying that your original authorization granted in 2022 is now amended to include ... the municipal complex," he said.
Councilors asked for assurances that the change does not increase the total authorized borrowing. Councilor Cook and staff confirmed the amendment does not raise the $1.4 million ceiling; about $500,000 remained unissued at the time of the meeting. Councilor David, speaking in favor, said the municipal building committee has advanced three options and the change will allow the committee to study options that could incorporate a new police station and renovated city hall.
The council adopted the resolution at roll-call vote, 8–1; Councilor Bagley voted no. Assistant Mayor Kelly carried the roll call and announced the tally.
Ending: Councilors said the amendment enables the municipal building committee to continue design work with JSA architects and explore combined solutions for a police facility and city-hall renovations; the amendment does not increase the size of the original bond authorization.
