Hooksett · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hooksett public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Budget Committee Rules of Procedure Draft
A committee member circulated a draft rules document covering membership, quorum, voting and the budget review process. Members suggested adding a 'what to expect' guide for new members and may form a small subcommittee to finish the work; discussion continues next week.
Holiday lighting warrant article for village area
The council approved use of four town parking lots for the annual Light Up the Village holiday event; Councilor LaCasse, who leads the event, abstained and invited all councilors to attend.
Election operations funding
The town clerk wants better pay for supervisors of the checklist ahead of three elections in early 2028, and hopes shared town/school deliberative sessions will cut audio-video costs.
Warrant article consolidation
Roughly 25 potential warrant articles are on the table, from cruisers and road work to poll pads. Councilors debated combining them to avoid overwhelming voters, but past consolidation efforts were unpopular with the budget committee and voters.
2028 Warrant Articles and Voter Fatigue
Roughly 25 potential warrant articles are on the table, from cruisers and road work to poll pads. Councilors debated combining them to avoid overwhelming voters, but past consolidation efforts were unpopular with the budget committee and voters.
Vacant Assessor position
A resident raised concerns that a bidder for the town assessor contract had a lapsed license during the bidding window. The administrator said he'll follow up with legal counsel and believes due diligence was followed.
Town Hall gym rental fee increase
Board members are considering raising the gym rental fee by $5 to fund park improvements like volleyball nets, benches, and field supplies. The catch: they need to confirm the money lands in a fund they can actually spend from, since the town is in a default budget and some dedicated funds are locked away.
Charter amendment review
The council formed a subcommittee (5-2) to weigh charter changes: majority instead of supermajority votes, appointed vs. elected planning board, and conflict-of-interest rules. Timing may push some items to next year's ballot.
Recycle/Transfer scale house replacement
The scale house is still alive — Public Works will get new contractor bids, with the board hoping to land near $600,000 rather than the $1.3 million figure that alarmed residents on Facebook. Delay costs money: the baler rose from $80,000 to $116,000 while stalled.
Sale of tax-deeded property ordinance
New ordinance spells out how the town sells tax-deeded property 'as justice may require.'
Disabled veterans' tax credit increase
Hooksett raised its tax credit for totally and permanently disabled veterans to $3,220 to comply with new state law HB 99. Fifty-nine veterans currently receive it.
2025-2026 Town Council goals review
The council walked through its five goals — communication, safety, recreation, finances, and more — and approved banners for the March 10 Town Meeting. Items include revisiting the Martins Ferry Road project, water testing on Farmer and Auburn Roads, and a town trail plan.
DPW storm costs running over budget
This winter has hammered the plowing budget: 23 storm events versus a typical 17 by now, with overtime $36,711 over the $120,141 budget. Salt use is at 89% of the annual amount.
24/7 councilor access to Town Hall
Councilors voted 4-2 to give themselves round-the-clock key fob access to the Municipal Building, reversing a policy that limited access to meeting times. Staff had warned the change weakens building security and blurs the line between governance and operations.
Veterans' Total Disability Tax Credit increase
The council raised the totally and permanently disabled veterans' tax credit from $2,800 to $3,220 after a state law change. Fifty-nine Hooksett veterans get the credit, and because most were drawing two credits before, the net town cost is small.