Londonderry officials are starting to discuss the town's budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
A first budget hearing was held Dec. 16, with numbers presented for what the town might spend along with a long list of potential warrant articles that could come before voters at the polls in March.
The total proposed general fund town operating budget at the Dec. 16 public hearing was $44.4 million, but that will change as more tweaks are made. In March 2024, voters approved $45.8 million for the town's operating budget.
Councilor Ron Dunn said he has heard concerns from the community, including tax bills and what the budget could mean for their wallets.
The Leach Library requested a budget over the million-dollar mark and had discussion aimed its way in past weeks when it comes to the spending plan.
Library Trustee Nancy Hendricks spoke at the recent hearing, saying library officials were satisfied with the number they brought forward.
"It's a very challenging budget season," Hendricks said, adding the number had to reflect the needs of the library and make sure services the community expected were maintained.
"The budget presented to you is as lean as a budget can get," Hendricks added. "No fluff, nothing lofty."
Town Finance Director Justin Campo reminded everyone that the budget document and warrant article list presented at the Dec. 16 hearing was a draft and things could change.
"But we wanted to get something out there to show what it would look like," Campo said.
Making tax rate calculations based on whether certain articles or budget numbers are approved are also still in the early stages.
In addition to the operating budget, warrant articles on the list include some of the annual requests -- asking voters to support adding money to existing capital reserve funds for fire equipment, cable and recreation.
Other proposed articles not officially approved yet ask voters to approve additional staff for the Leach Library's children's room, an additional police officer to handle traffic duty, money for police body worn cameras and several collective bargaining agreements.
Expansion plans for Pillsbury Cemetery also makes the list again this year, asking residents to approve $75,000 for its reserve fund.
A second budget hearing is set for Jan. 20, with the annual town deliberative session set for Saturday, Feb. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Londonderry High School cafe.
Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, March 11 to approve budgets and warrant articles and choose elected officials.
Some residents spoke out at the recent hearing, saying there was money to be saved.
That led to town councilors saying they wanted to find savings in the operating budget. It would be up to department heads to find savings.
"It says something to the community that we are willing to do something," said Town Councilor Shawn Faber at the recent hearing.