Council Member Advocates for Clear Salary Figures Over Percentages in Pay Increase Discussion

July 23, 2025 | Hooksett, Merrimack County , New Hampshire


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Council Member Advocates for Clear Salary Figures Over Percentages in Pay Increase Discussion
The Hooksett Town Council meeting on July 23, 2025, focused on several key issues, including scheduling concerns for upcoming meetings and discussions about salary transparency for town positions.

During the meeting, council members addressed the timeline for upcoming discussions, particularly regarding the next regular meeting scheduled for August 27. One councilor expressed the desire to have preliminary discussions before this date to ensure all members are adequately informed. However, the chairman indicated that it would not be feasible to arrange a meeting prior to the scheduled date, emphasizing the complexities of coordinating schedules within the government.

Another significant topic was the proposed salary increase for the new fire chief. A councilor raised concerns about the use of percentages to communicate salary changes, suggesting that presenting actual dollar amounts would be clearer for residents. This proposal aimed to enhance transparency and help the public better understand how salary adjustments impact the town's budget. The council acknowledged this suggestion and agreed to consider it in future discussions.

The meeting also included procedural matters, such as the approval of public and non-public meeting minutes. Due to the absence of the secretary, the council decided to table the approval of the public minutes from the July 9 meeting until the next session. However, they successfully approved the non-public minutes from both June 25 and July 9.

In public input, a resident and committee member inquired about a public hearing regarding the waste ordinance, which is tentatively scheduled for the August 27 meeting. The council confirmed that he would be welcome to participate in the discussion.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's ongoing efforts to improve communication and transparency with residents while navigating the complexities of local governance. The next meeting is expected to address these issues further, along with the anticipated public hearing on the waste ordinance.

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