City releases draft budget

The proposed fiscal year 2025 budget was released by the Concord City Manager.  City Council will be deciding on the recommendation this year for a $170 million budget with a 3.89% tax increase.  If approved, this increase in the City portion of our taxes would equate to $130 more annually on a property assessed at $350,000.

Highlights for Penacook in this budget are: $350,000 for structural repairs and design to extend bridge service life on Horse Hill Road over the Contoocook River, payable with general obligation bonds; and $500,000 for design for the collapsed Burnham Brook Culvert located at Whitney Road.  The cost for the culvert is to be divided between Water Fund general obligation bonds, donated funds, and the Penacook Village TIF District.

The budget can be found here, with a helpful overview starting at page 16.  Meetings will be held at 5:30 pm in Council Chambers on May 20 (discussing Police, Fire, General Services, General Government), May 23 (Library, Parks & Rec, Human Services, CIP projects, TIF Districts), and May 30 (Special Revenue Funds and Enterprise Funds), with a final meeting on June 3 to vote on approval.  You can attend any of these meetings and speak to budget items, or send your thoughts to the City Clerk at cityclerk@concordnh.gov