Hampton budget debate: 2% citizen amendment fails in deliberative session; $38.24M budget heads to ballot

Moderator Marc Gorayeb opened substantial debate on Article 13, the town operating budget proposed at $38,236,520. Anne Marie Galanis, chair of the Budget Committee, summarized the committee’s unanimous recommendation and said the increase (about 5.26%) largely reflects wages, benefits, contract obligations and debt.

Resident Joe Torelli moved an amendment to reduce the proposed budget by 2 percent; the motion was seconded by Frank Bajowski. The amendment prompted extended comments from both supporters and opponents. Supporters, including Joe Torelli and Brian Warburton, argued for lower spending and greater fiscal restraint. Opponents, including Select Board members and Budget Committee members, said a blanket 2 percent cut would force difficult choices affecting first‑responder staffing and essential town services. Budget Director Kristi Pulliam and others described how the town’s unassigned fund balance and revenue timing interact with appropriations and offsets.

Following a motion to close debate, the meeting conducted a hand count of the amendment as requested by the moderator. The amendment failed, with the hand count recorded at Yes 15, No 73. The moderator announced that Article 13 will appear on the March 10 ballot as presented by the budget committee and select board.

What happens next: the deliberative session placed the proposed budget on the ballot for the town election on March 10, 2026, allowing all registered voters to decide the final appropriation. If the operating budget is defeated at that vote, RSA procedures allow either adoption of a default budget or a special meeting to consider a revised budget.