For the full wording of the Article, see this link: Link to the Warrant as Amended following Deliberative Session
What it means: The voters are presented with two possible operating budgets. The Proposed Operating budget is what the Town departments feel they need to manage the Town efficiently, safely and effectively. The Default Budget is a calculated budget defined by RSAs (New Hampshire state legislature), which specify certain costs that must be covered in the Town’s Budget. Both budgets for 2025 reflect cost of Warrant Articles approved at prior Town Elections. The difference between the two budgets is relatively insignificant this year, with the Proposed Operating budget lower than the Default budget by $67.00. Both budgets represent a 4.189% increase over the 2024 adopted budget.
A default budget is regulated by RSA 40:13 and starts with the prior year’s approved budget, and is increased by obligations mandated by law; debt service and contracts lawfully entered into; and is reduced by one-time expenditures, salaries and benefits related to positions that may have been eliminated. The Default Budget will be the operating budget for the Town in the event the Proposed Operating Budget fails to pass.
Those in favor say: The Budget Committee, sensitive to the impact of the recent reevaluation, met and worked with each Town department to review the needs and obligations of each department. Each line item of the budget was thoroughly reviewed by the Department Heads, Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and the Budget Committee. The Proposed Operating Budget funds what is necessary to maintain the current level of services to the Town.
Those Opposed say: A proposal at Deliberative Session to cut the Proposed Operating Budget by $2M was defeated. Those who spoke against the Proposed Operating Budget expressed the negative impact of the recent revaluation, and the increasing cost of expenses to run the Town.
Fiscal impact: The impact of both the Proposed Operating Budget and the Default Budget is $0.24 per $1,000 valuation over 2024. A household valued at $650,000 will see a tax increase of $156.00 in 2025.
Note: We use the average cost per property for Hampton. There is “Cost per Warrant Article Calculator” on the Town’s website that allows you to enter your specific property value, and the see the cost for all Warrant Articles. You can access the Calculator here.