Budget Committee Meeting, October 3, 2024

Town Budget Update

Town Administrator Ellen White reported that 26.84% of the Town’s budget remains unspent going into the fourth quarter. Unfilled positions have been a major factor in allowing the Town to stay on budget were:

• 3 full-time firefighters

• 2 police officer positions 

• 1 full-time position in the Highway Department

On the other hand, legal expenses have been far above what was budgeted. 

White reported that it has been difficult for the Town to make job offers with competitive salaries and benefits. Further, as the Town was unable to provide current employees with merit or cost-of-living increases this year, it is getting to be more difficult to retain staff. 

School Budget Update

School Board member Danielle Roy reported that during the first quarter of the school’s fiscal year it had spent 22.96% of its budget. 

Bylaws Review

The committee has drafted bylaws for its operations. Much of the meeting was spent discussing the draft. A revised draft will be presented at the committee’s next meeting on October 24. 

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Other News

Readers may be interested in a newly launched Substack NH School Scoop that covers state-wide school news. 

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