Hooksett · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hooksett public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
FY 2026-27 default budget
House Bill 1575 moves responsibility for the school default budget from the school board to this committee, and House Bill 1300 could put a property-tax growth cap on the November ballot. The committee is still figuring out how to comply and may need legal opinions.
FY 2028 operating budget
The council advanced a $22.6 million budget, up 1.24%, to the budget committee. It's the town's pitch to avoid a fourth straight default budget, and voters will choose between it and the default at town meeting.
Hackett Hill Road / Main Street intersection project
NHDOT is reviewing cost figures from traffic consultant McFarland/Johnson; a revised engineering agreement with higher rates will come back to the council for a vote. DOT is also collecting projects for the next 10-year plan.
TIF district and Exit 10 infrastructure
Sewer service unlocks restaurants, hotels, and infill development that septic systems can't support — Bass Pro wants to add a restaurant, and Marmon's new facility is expected to bring roughly 210 jobs over three years.
Sewer extension across the Merrimack River to west-side businesses
The council committed $1 million in TIF funds to run double sewer lines under the river from Martins Ferry toward Exit 10, where businesses have failing septic systems. Supporters say it unlocks economic development and keeps businesses in town; opponents worry about traffic and no commitments from those businesses.
Elm Grove CDBG workforce housing project
Elm Grove wants the town to sponsor a $750,000 federal grant to renovate its 70-unit apartment complex, adding six studio units and making all 76 units workforce housing. The town acts as the grant conduit but faces minimal cost — mostly potential audit expenses Elm Grove has agreed to share.
FY 2026-27 default budget cuts
Voters rejected the $25.7M operating budget in March, forcing a $24.6M default budget. Cuts hit town operations, the library and wastewater, and councilors acknowledge further trims would mean cutting services. Final decision expected in June.