The town of Londonderry had its budget kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 2, which included a preview of the proposed operating budget of nearly $4 million over last year’s budget.
“For fiscal year 2026 the proposed budget as it currently stands is $44,820,806,” Finance Director, Justin Campo, said, presenting on the behalf of the Administration.
Town Manager, Mike Malaguti, was not in attendance for the meeting.
As it stands now, Campo noted that the proposed operating budget would be about $3.7 million more than the FY-25 operating budget.
One of the increases, Campo pointed to is the legally mandated and staffing issues that increased overtime by more than $959,000.
Another increase is the waste collection and recycling contract, which increased by $171,530. Campo noted that despite the increase the contract for the services will still be lower than the other surrounding towns.
The town will also be seeing an increase of $119,716 for fire hydrants, and will also be seeing an increase of $1,118,931, for insurance and benefits, which will impact the proposed budget.
It was also noted that they would have an increase of $77,522, which will be for IT contracts that provide various services and cybersecurity.
This year’s proposed Default Budget as of now is $44,000,060, which is about $793,000 less than the proposed operating budget as of now.
Campo in describing the increase for the Default Budget explained that they have a number of contractual obligations that they have increases for this year.
One discussion that took place was surrounding community events and atmosphere with Campo explaining that they try to find funding to help with things like Old Home Days, Concert on the Commons, and other events, but said there are unfunded budget costs such as over time costs for the prep work and for public safety.
“What is not funded is the overtime associated with Old Home Day,” Campo said.
He also noted that there are things that they don’t budget for overtime currently with one example being police and fire helping with elections and with presidential candidate visits for example.
Town Councilor, John Farrell, suggested that they consider looking at a warrant article to help pay for those costs moving forward.
He said they should consider $100,000 for the warrant article at first to begin the conversation.
Campo said he would work with the department heads to come up with a more accurate cost that is needed for the different overtime.
The next Londonderry budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Nov. 12 during the Town Council meeting.