Jackson Select Board proposes $3.18 million 2025 operating budget; warrant articles include fire station bond and ETFs

Chairman Barbara Campbell and town staff presented a proposed 2025 operating budget of $3,181,240 at the first budget hearing on Jan. 28, outlining increases in personnel costs, legal fees and capital reserves.

The budget proposal includes a larger financial administration line driven by professional fees and utilities, a legal budget increase to $50,000 to cover attorney and bond counsel fees, and a personnel administration total of $595,808 reflecting a 10.23% health insurance rise and higher NHRS pension costs. Barbara Campbell said elected-officer pay fell in 2025 because fewer elections are scheduled and that town-collected line items will change if elections differ from projections. “That concludes the information on the proposed Operating Budget,” Campbell said at the close of the presentation.

Why it matters: The proposed operating budget funds core services — police, fire, highway and transfer station operations — and sets aside capital for vehicle and infrastructure needs. Staff described a planned fourth full-time police officer late in 2025 to replace a retiring chief, and Highway allocations include $100,000 for road maintenance and $50,000 for culverts until those projects are completed.

Key details and fiscal drivers: Financial administration was proposed at $250,443; legal at $50,000 for ongoing short-term rental (STR) issues and counsel; personnel administration reflects a COLA and new-employee costs. The Police Department budget is proposed at $416,321; the Fire Department at $223,131; and the Transfer Station line reflects Jackson’s 25% share of Bartlett-employed staff and tipping fees. The town also identified $2,150,077 of Agents to Expend Capital Outlay (vehicles, bridge work, equipment and infrastructure).

Warrant articles and capital planning: The board reviewed recurring capital reserve funds and new warrant articles for 2025, including an item described as a fire station bond, ETFs for town office and parks/buildings, and a $100,000 request tied to moving the Town Hall at the Historical Society’s request. Board members said warrant articles will be voted on individually at town meeting; the Select Board does not automatically endorse every requested item.

Questions from residents and staff: Residents pressed for clarification on employee health cost-sharing (employee contribution remains 5%), library wage reporting, and whether the solar array reduces building electrical costs — staff said they will provide additional details at a subsequent meeting. Town Administrator Julie Hoyt confirmed the board’s authority under RSA 41:14-a governs acquisition or disposal decisions for town-owned buildings and that committees would be formed if specific bonds pass.

What’s next: The Select Board scheduled a second budget hearing and reminded residents of the town election on March 11 and Town Meeting on March 13. The hearing adjourned at 7:27 p.m.