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Nashua Budget Review Committee

May 14, 2026

GOV Budget Review Financial Services — May 14, 2026

Main takeaways

The proposed 2027 budget includes a $1 million increase in motor vehicle revenue and a 12% increase in financial services appropriations, resulting in an overall 3.5% increase for that department.

Debt service appropriations increased by 4%, reflecting bond refinancing that saves roughly $125,000 annually over 10 years, maintaining debt service around $22 million — less than 1% of the estimated tax rate increase.

The contingency fund was zeroed out to reduce tax rate impact; interfund transfers decreased 21% due to zero hydropower funding and a $2 million cut to the SURF (Special Utility Reserve Fund).

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Nashua Budget Review Committee

May 14, 2026

GOV Budget Review Financial Services — May 14, 2026

Main takeaways

The proposed 2027 budget includes a $1 million increase in motor vehicle revenue and a 12% increase in financial services appropriations, resulting in an overall 3.5% increase for that department.

Debt service increased 4%, reflecting bond refinancing that saves roughly $125,000 annually over 10 years, maintaining debt service around $22 million — less than 1% of the estimated tax rate increase.

The contingency fund was zeroed out to reduce tax rate impact; interfund transfers decreased 21% due to zero hydropower funding and a $2 million cut to the SURF (Special Utility Reserve Fund).

Meeting summary

The Budget Review Committee reviewed Nashua's proposed 2027 financial services budget, led by CFO Don Enright and Treasurer Diane Mahalland. Motor vehicle permit revenue is budgeted $1 million higher than prior years — a line that has historically been underbudgeted. Enright acknowledged the conservative approach is intentional: any surplus reduces the tax rate at year-end rather than creating a shortfall in the city's largest revenue line.

Debt service increased 4% following the October 2025 bond sale and a refinancing of 2013–2015 bonds that saves roughly $125,000 annually for 10 years. The city's AAA bond rating remains intact. The contingency fund was zeroed out entirely — last year it consumed $140,000 — and interfund transfers were cut 21%, primarily by eliminating hydropower funding and reducing the Special Utility Reserve Fund by $2 million.

CFO Enright projected a just-over-6% year-over-year budget increase, with a tax rate increase slightly under 8% — though he cautioned the figure is preliminary pending final data. Alderman Senate noted that only 16 of 51 city departments met the mayor's 3% budget directive. Upcoming amendment sessions will be the opportunity for cuts.

Full transcript preview

CHAIRMAN: Okay, I'd like to call the budget review committee to order. It's May 14th, 2026. We're in the aldermanic chamber in city hall at 7:00 p.m.

DON ENRIGHT, CFO: Revenues have been increased by $1 million in the motor vehicle revenue line item. This line historically has been slightly underbudgeted to assure collection covers the budget. If there's excess in this line, we use funds to pay down the tax rate at the end of the year.

ALDERMAN SENATE: If this budget passes as presented, what do you estimate for a tax increase?

DON ENRIGHT, CFO: Our goal is just over a 6% year-over-year budget increase, anticipating a tax rate increase slightly under 8%. Exact increase unknown.

ALDERMAN JOHNSON: So our debt service is healthy?

DON ENRIGHT, CFO: Yes. We have maintained appropriate levels, preserving our AAA rating.

[...full transcript continues — 8,400 words]

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Nashua Finance Committee Medium Urgency

May 6, 2026

GOV Finance Committee 5 6 2026

Contractor Relevance Score

7/10

Point of Contact

Brush Grinding at Four Hills Landfill — Jeff Ller, Solid Waste Superintendent

Wastewater Treatment Facility Drain Replacement — Dave Busher, Wastewater Superintendent

Parking Garage Facade and Wayfinding Improvements — Tim Wamir, Owner's Project Manager

City Land Use Code Update — Matt Sullivan, Community Development Director

Contractor Intel

Wastewater Treatment Facility Drain Replacement — Medium Urgency: Northeast Earth Mechanics LLC is the current vendor. The board discussed upcoming procurement opportunities for drain replacement work. Wastewater contractors and civil engineers should contact Dave Busher directly to position for the next bid cycle. Parking Garage Facade and Wayfinding Improvements — Medium Urgency: Beyond Walls is involved in facade work. The board reviewed wayfinding signage improvements across city parking structures. Facade contractors and signage firms should monitor future RFPs through the city's purchasing portal. Brush Grinding at Four Hills Landfill — Low Urgency: Greg Balcom Landscaping holds the current contract. Board approved budget for continued brush grinding operations. Landscaping and waste management contractors should note the approved budget and watch for renewal notices.

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