Council tables approval for annual 5K road race to July 9 pending budget detail

Hooksett — Organizers of the annual Housa Qantas 5K asked the Town Council for permission to hold the race on Sept. 20, 2025; the council heard the request and tabled action to its July 9 meeting to allow staff to confirm service availability amid budget cuts.

Sue Wiley, identified herself and spoke about the course and required town support: use of town roads (University Circle, College Heights, Blackwater Road and others), use of the Headspoint Trail, traffic control (police), emergency medics, porta potties, and cones/barricades. Wiley said property owners along the route had given permission but that a parking lot they previously used would not be available this year, so organizers are exploring alternate parking and shuttle options.

Nut graf: Because the town is operating under a default budget that led to cuts in some services, council members and the town administrator said they needed to confirm whether funds or staff time are available for police details, public works support and porta-potty rental before final approval; the council voted to table final approval to the next meeting and asked staff to follow up.

Councilor Walczak and others said they wanted to give organizers as much information as possible to plan; Town Administrator Andre Garen said he would check with police, public works and related departments and report back. A councilor moved to table the request to July 9 so the administration can gather answers; the motion passed with more ayes than nays (voice vote recorded as ayes and several opposed voices), and the organizers agreed to return if needed.

Ending: Organizers were told to expect administrative follow-up; council members said they would try to accommodate the event where possible but could not promise town-funded services until the financial picture is clarified.