City budget includes funding for new police social worker, lights at Keach Park

By JAMIE L. COSTA

Monitor staff

Published: 05-13-2023 10:00 AM

The proposed operating budget delivered to the Concord City Council by City Manager Tom Aspell carries a potential 4% tax increase for city residents along with raises for both city water and sewer services.

The total budget of $130.1 million for the next fiscal year includes $7 million in new spending and maintains the city’s investment in emergency services, expands on serving the needs of the city’s most vulnerable populations, and was built around the goals laid out by the City Council, Aspell wrote.

The proposed budget is a 5.7% increase from last year’s adopted budget of $123.1 million. Residents can also expect to see their water rate tax increase by 4.5% and their sewer tax rate increase by 5%.

“While there are increases, they’re not as significant as originally feared,” Aspell said.

The city will use nearly $900,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for employee salaries to offset the tax increase.

“The City Council did not set a specific tax rate target for Fiscal Year 2024, but instead instructed the City Manager to present a responsible budget and economic development opportunities,” Aspell wrote.

Compared to tax and budget increases seen throughout towns in Merrimack County, Concord’s proposed tax rate increase falls below inflation rates reported over the past 12 months, Aspell wrote. To help recruit new employees and retain existing staff, the city also plans to complete an employee compensation study.

“Staffing and turnover continues to be an issue in several departments. In 2022, the city had an overall employee turnover rate of 16.7% and the police department’s vacancy rate is nearly 20% with 16 vacant police officer positions,” Aspell wrote. “Recruiting and retaining employees continues to be a challenge and a top priority.”

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Though the police department has a high vacancy rate, the 2024 budget calls for the employment of a Police Social Worker position to manage issues that do not require a sworn police officer, like mental health. Around $84,000 has been allocated to fund the position. In addition, the city has not filled Matt Walsh’s former position of Director of Development and Special Projects and has eliminated the Economic Development Director position, which resulted in some savings. Walsh has moved into the Deputy City Manager of Development position.

Overall, the police budget shows an increase of 3.4% from $15 million to $15.5 million, while the fire department’s budget shows an increase of 1% from $16.4 million to $16.6 million. General Services will see a 6.4% increase from $10.6 million to $11.3 million. About 75% of spending from the city’s operating budget pays for employee compensation and benefits.

The $900,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds being used to help pay for wages and other operational expenses will be the end of the city’s portion of that program, which was approved by Congress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Keach Park, $384,000 is being allocated for the design and installation of soccer lights while $800,000 is being allocated for the replacement of the Monkey Around Playground at White Park.

Potential increases in the tax base will also address the city-wide housing shortage, Aspell said.

“There are multiple housing development projects currently under construction, and several significant projects expected to commence construction this year and next,” Aspell wrote. “In terms of both affordable and market-rate housing, the community can expect a significant increase in housing stock. The increase will assist with both community livability and upcoming economic development opportunities.”

Over the next month, councilors will hold five public meetings to review different sections of the draft spending plan before they are expected to vote on a final budget on, June 5.

All meetings will be held in the City Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m. beginning on Thursday, May 18, where the public will get a chance to hear Aspell’s presentation, including a budget summary and an overview of the general fund revenue and expenses.

On Monday, May 22, councilors will discuss spending on general government, public safety and general services; on Thursday, May 25, councilors will discuss community development, services like the library and parks and recreation and the Capital Improvement Program to include TIF districts; on Thursday, June 1, councilors will discuss special revenue funds to include parking, airport, conservation property, revolving loans, the golf course, the arena and special water and wastewater funds. A proposed final hearing is scheduled to take place on Monday, June 5, as part of a committee work session, public hearing and budget adoption.

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