Town in 'Control' of Budget Deficit 'Animal'

Hard and frugal work by local department heads and town employees have substantially cut into North Hampton's anticipated deficit, so much so that Town Administrator Paul Apple says he's now "much more optimistic" about "finishing the year on goal" than when the overtime-related budget issues were brought to light roughly six weeks ago.

Apple said he isn't recommending "any additional measures be taken at this time" to curb spending because current efforts are on track to rectify the symptoms of the budgeting problems. That is much-welcomed news for officials who have spent weeks working on priority and task lists in the chance that more drastic cuts would have to be made.

"I think we have managed to get control of the animal and we are now holding the reins, and that is a good thing," said Apple. "The good news is that I think we’re going to make it. The concerning news is that the margin is still significantly thinner than I think anyone would like it to be, but it still is on the positive side of the margin, and that is the good news."

Apple said projections indicate that there is roughly $930,424 left to spend in the fiscal year, which ends on June 30. After factoring in a multiplier to account for unanticipated costs, Apple said he expects the town to expend "$765,000-ish" for the remainder of the year, which means the town should be on target to return $75,000 to the general fund as anticipated.

Apple thanked town employees for "working diligently" and doing a "great deal of good work to reduce our expenditures."

Selectman Larry Miller said "it's going in the right direction," even if it doesn't necessarily solve the underlying problem that caused the deficit.

"It goes to the larger issue stated several times," said Jim Maggiore, chairman of the North Hampton Select Board. "We're really going to really have to take a hard look at the budget next year."

A more detailed conversation about the deficit and budgeting is expected at a future North Hampton Select Board meeting, as the town's finance director couldn't attend Monday's session due to a death in his family.