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May 30. 2012 11:06PM
For now, Nashua budget stays same
NASHUA — The aldermanic Budget Review Committee had its first opportunity to make adjustments to the city’s proposed $230 million budget on Wednesday, but decided to make no formal changes.
Concerns were raised about an estimated $3.5 million surplus anticipated at the end of the current budget cycle.
Mayor Donnalee Lozeau explained that there are some items she would like to purchase with a portion of the surplus, including about $600,000 from the Public Works Department that resulted from the mild winter. Some of those expenditures have already been transferred to allow for additional sidewalk improvements, she said.
“We didn’t budget a lot of money for sidewalks last year,” explained the mayor, adding she would prefer to have funding available now so that the sidewalk work can be completed during the summer.
Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly said she would like to know where and when the specific transfers are taking place.
“It is public information,” Lozeau said, adding all monthly financial updates are available on the city website.
According to Lozeau, she will prepare an escrow report to present to the Board of Aldermen this summer with her recommendations for spending.
Other concerns were voiced about a $250,000 proposal for downtown improvements, and who will ultimately oversee the improvements.
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire said Wednesday that she could not support the budget until she has clarification on why there is no documentation or minutes from the Review and Comment Commission.
“I have an issue with that, and I am not going to vote on this budget until I get some of these answers,” said Wilshire.
Other board members echoed her concerns.
Lozeau is recommending a budget of $230,607,330, which is up 1.5 percent from the current $227.2 million budget. If approved, it could possibly increase property taxes by up to 3 percent.
The Budget Review Committee will again meet next week to study the budget and presumably make adjustments before the full Board of Aldermen has the chance to make changes or final approval.
Concerns were raised about an estimated $3.5 million surplus anticipated at the end of the current budget cycle.
Mayor Donnalee Lozeau explained that there are some items she would like to purchase with a portion of the surplus, including about $600,000 from the Public Works Department that resulted from the mild winter. Some of those expenditures have already been transferred to allow for additional sidewalk improvements, she said.
“We didn’t budget a lot of money for sidewalks last year,” explained the mayor, adding she would prefer to have funding available now so that the sidewalk work can be completed during the summer.
Alderman-at-Large Barbara Pressly said she would like to know where and when the specific transfers are taking place.
“It is public information,” Lozeau said, adding all monthly financial updates are available on the city website.
According to Lozeau, she will prepare an escrow report to present to the Board of Aldermen this summer with her recommendations for spending.
Other concerns were voiced about a $250,000 proposal for downtown improvements, and who will ultimately oversee the improvements.
Alderman-at-Large Lori Wilshire said Wednesday that she could not support the budget until she has clarification on why there is no documentation or minutes from the Review and Comment Commission.
“I have an issue with that, and I am not going to vote on this budget until I get some of these answers,” said Wilshire.
Other board members echoed her concerns.
Lozeau is recommending a budget of $230,607,330, which is up 1.5 percent from the current $227.2 million budget. If approved, it could possibly increase property taxes by up to 3 percent.
The Budget Review Committee will again meet next week to study the budget and presumably make adjustments before the full Board of Aldermen has the chance to make changes or final approval.