Hooksett council forwards proposed ~$21 million budget, approves departmental budgets with minor adjustments

Hooksett — The Hooksett Town Council on Sept. 3 reviewed the town administrator’s operating budget proposal (about $21 million) and voted to forward department-level budgets to the budget committee after approving several departmental budgets and a small stipend reduction in planning and zoning.

Town Administrator Andre Garen, presenting an overview, told the council his proposed operating budget builds off the current default budget; he said the package the administration prepared represents a 2.1% increase over the town’s current default budget and reflects negotiated contract costs, equipment replacement needs and other fixed increases. "My proposed operating budget ... is based on the default budget that we're operating under now," Garen said.

Why it matters: the administration’s proposal sets the baseline for the warrant and for the budget committee review that begins in October. Several items that could materially change the final numbers — notably health- and dental-insurance rates and a separate wastewater request — remain unspecified pending vendor and pool notifications. The council approved department budgets that keep staffing levels largely unchanged while restoring some capital and operating lines reduced during recent default years.

What the council approved and key discussion points

- Family Services: The council accepted the Family Services budget as presented at $145,866 after discussion about a $10,000 reduction in the town welfare line and confirmation that the CAP heating program would be retained at $14,000. Patricia (Trish) Caruso, director of family services, summarized the reductions and said the office will continue transportation and heating assistance programs ("heating and electric utility bills"). Outcome: approved; forwarded to the budget committee.

- Tax Collector: The council approved…