WHY 'NO' VOTES ARE RECOMMENDED FOR THE HAMPTON 2026 TOWN MEETING

Hampton already has the money.

In 2025, the Town ended the year with $2.18 million unspent—about 6% of the operating budget.

Total 2025 expenditures: $34,681,093

Available balance (12/31/25): $2,179,316

Total activity: $36,860,409.

That’s $533,465 MORE than the approved 2025 budget of $34,326,944.

Yet instead of using those funds, the Selectmen are asking voters to approve 10 new 2026 warrant articles totaling $1,085,666—even though these are routine operating expenses that should have been paid for already.

Items that should have been funded out of the 2025 operating budget:

Article 12: Copper Compliance – $100,000

Article 17: Refuse Collection Truck – $412,666

Article 21: Capacity Yard Truck – $153,000

Article 23: Municipal Building Fund – $100,000

Article 24: Police Forfeiture – $90,000

Article 25: Anns Terrace Drainage – $80,000

Article 26: DPW Facilities – $75,000

Article 27: Firefighter Turnout Gear – $40,000

Article 28: Conservation Fund – $30,000

Article 31: Christmas Parade – $5,000

Total: $1,085,666

Unspent 2025 funds available: $2,179,316

The money was already there.

It gets worse:

2026 proposed operating budget: $38,236,520

+$1,909,576 over 2025

2026 default budget: $37,748,568

+$1,421,624 over 2025

Hampton doesn't need higher appropriations, it needs better budgeting.

VOTE NO.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

WINNACUNNET HIGH SCHOOL