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Hampton Budget Committee: May finances show $2.19M favorable variance; DPW staffing a concern
Summary
Finance Director Kristi Pulliam reported May revenues of $3,689,929 and year-to-date spending of $14,399,346, leaving the town about $2.19 million (5.77%) under budget; Town Manager Jamie Sullivan warned staffing shortfalls — particularly in DPW — could strain service delivery and capital projects.
The Hampton Budget Committee on June 16 reviewed May 2026 financials and heard warnings that staffing shortages could complicate planned public works projects.
Finance Director Kristi Pulliam told the committee revenues through May totaled $3,689,929, that the fiscal year’s 5th-month report is measured against a 41.67% target, and that year-to-date expenditures were $14,399,346. She said open purchase orders total $765,612 and that the town is currently under budget by $2,189,282, or 5.77%.
Town Manager Jamie Sullivan said, “Wages, employee benefits and contracted services are always the top numbers; the town is operating on a default budget this year,” and added that the town will monitor costs closely and prioritize public safety as the summer begins. Sullivan warned the Department of Public Works faces hiring challenges that may affect project schedules and operations.
Committee members discussed the regional nature of workforce shortages and noted the town is competing for workers; the minutes record that Hampton ranks third on a local pay-competitiveness measure, though the source of that ranking was not specified.
Sullivan also outlined the status of warrant-article projects tied to the budget review: many Department of Public Works projects will be completed either in-house or by contractors; the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) remains a three-phase project; vehicle purchases are underway; and trash collection is expected to continue despite staffing and vehicle constraints. Committee members were told the town will set priorities and consider outsourcing where required.
Votes and procedural actions at the meeting included approval of the May 19, 2026 minutes (motion by Scott Blair, seconded by Alan Barclay), which passed 7-0-1 with Amy Hansen recorded as abstaining. The committee adjourned at 7:08 p.m. on a motion by Mike Plouffe, seconded by Alan Barclay, which passed 8-0-0.
The committee scheduled its next meeting for Sept. 15 and indicated staff would continue monitoring revenues, expenditures, and staffing to determine whether midyear budget adjustments or prioritization changes are needed.
