Bill > HB475

This bill modifies the definition of "default budget" for official ballot town meetings in New Hampshire, specifically addressing how salaries and benefits are calculated when determining budget amounts. The bill clarifies that the default budget will reflect actual salary and benefit levels for filled positions as of the public budget hearing, excluding any increases made after the previous year's budget was approved. It allows reductions in the default budget for positions that have been eliminated or were vacant before the previous year's budget was approved. The bill also expands the definition of "one-time expenditures" to include reductions made to line items due to transfers for such expenditures. This means that when local governing bodies or budget committees calculate the default budget, they must follow a specific statutory formula that may result in a budget amount different from the proposed operating budget. The changes aim to provide more transparency and precision in municipal budget calculations, with the new provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=738&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB475