Council approves town-clerk budget after debate over election stipends and checklist pay

The Hooksett Town Council voted to approve the town clerk's operating budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at $103,670 after hearing staff explain a large percentage increase tied to election-related work. Town Administrator Andre Garren said the request represents "the budget anticipating, a 64 and 0.5 percent increase over the prior year, 40,650," and walked councilors through changes proposed for stipends and election staffing.

Town staff and trustees argued the increase reflects real workload rather than routine growth: trustees recommended changing supervisors of the checklist from a flat $750 annual stipend to hourly pay to match election-year work. As a starting point, trustees estimated work at 141 hours and used $15 an hour in their model—"141 it was based on 141 hours at $15 an hour," a trustee said—producing roughly $2,115 per supervisor in a high-activity year. Councilors pushed for clarity on off-year cycles and asked for comparisons to last-year spending; presenters said the figure will fluctuate with the election calendar and that the town must meet state requirements during federal and state elections.

The motion to approve the town clerk operating budget including the checklist and related stipends was made from the floor and seconded; the council approved the budget by roll call and the budget will move forward as presented. Council discussion also emphasized the need to preserve volunteer capacity while balancing taxpayer concerns about increases.