When the state’s official ballot law passed, it contained a stopgap in case a proposed local budget failed. The rules for this default budget excluded one-time expenses, but allowed other budget lines at last year’s level, and contractual obligations. New Hampshire courts left discretion on application of these rules to the towns. Further narrowing of the definition of default budgets occurred last year. An amendment to RSA 40:19 states that previously approved contracts must be funded at the last approved level. So if lawn mowing or fuel costs more next year, funds in the default budget would be shifted around to pay for a contract increase.
Most towns and school districts have used default budgets sparingly. They were never meant to be a referendum on a single issue that could have been addressed during the other 364 days, nor a way to simply refuse community responsibility for shared services. Weare has had 16 default-level budgets in 21 years.
At Weare candidates’ night, incumbent selectman Jack Meaney responded to a question about default budgets. He said depending on the state Supreme Court’s decision, a lawsuit (filed by a Weare resident) could further narrow the definition of future default budgets.
On the advice of the finance committee, Weare selectmen reduced their proposed budget to a figure necessary to reasonably afford the cost of doing business in 2019. Now, more than ever, proposed budgets need to pass. Come next year, default budgets may be constrained to a level below that needed to operate.
CHRISTINE HAGUE
Weare