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Candia Select Board reviews default budget, seeks $47,383 in cuts; DRA review noted
Summary
The Select Board reviewed a revised default budget of $4,039,003.54, identified a roughly $47,383 shortfall, and discussed using revolving funds and line-item reductions — including a possible $30,000 ambulance offset — while awaiting Department of Revenue Administration review.
The Candia Select Board on Dec. 16 reviewed a revised default municipal budget of $4,039,003.54 and identified a remaining shortfall of about $47,383, prompting discussion of targeted cuts and use of reserve funds.
Town staff reported the updated default figure and told the board the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) will be involved in final review. "It's only $5,000 less than what it was last time," a town staff member said while walking the board through adjustments that remain subject to change.
Board members discussed a set of options to close the gap. One proposal was to apply $30,000 from the ambulance revolving fund to offset ambulance-related budget lines; staff said that may be possible but recommended confirming with the responsible department. Select Board members also suggested trimming payroll/FICA, revisiting asphalt-maintenance increases and other line items to reduce the percentage increase without cutting core services.
Several members highlighted large insurance-cost increases as a pressure point. "The insurance line is just insane," one member said, noting that benefit changes and plan mix drove higher premiums.
The board agreed to continue working with department heads, to confirm which encumbrances have already been submitted, and to seek additional clarifications from staff and the budget committee. The DRA review and potential further adjustments were left as outstanding steps before finalizing the default budget.
Next steps: staff will follow up with department leads and provide the board further reconciliation so members can finalize any targeted reductions before warrant‑finalization deadlines.
