Raises for Police a Hot Topic at Hooksett Budget Hearing

Raises for police officers dominated discussion at the recent Hooksett budget hearing, highlighting a familiar but increasingly urgent dilemma for many small towns: how to retain qualified law enforcement personnel while keeping municipal spending in check. The packed meeting brought together town officials, police leadership, union representatives, and residents, all eager to weigh in on whether proposed pay increases are justified amid broader budget pressures.

At the heart of the debate was a proposal to adjust police salaries to remain competitive with neighboring communities. Supporters of the raises argued that Hooksett risks losing experienced officers to towns offering better compensation, while critics questioned whether taxpayers can afford higher personnel costs at a time when inflation is already squeezing household budgets.

The case for higher police pay

Police Chief and town administrators emphasized that recruitment and retention have become serious challenges. Law enforcement agencies across the region are competing for a shrinking pool of qualified candidates, a trend driven by retirements, career changes, and increased job demands.

According to officials, starting salaries in Hooksett lag behind those in nearby municipalities, making it difficult to attract new officers. Experienced personnel, meanwhile, are increasingly tempted to leave for departments offering higher base pay, better benefits, or signing incentives.

“Training an officer is a significant investment,” one town official explained during the hearing. “When we lose someone after a few years, we lose not only experience but also the money and time spent getting them up to speed.”

Proponents also noted that policing has grown more complex, with officers expected to handle mental health crises, substance abuse issues, and community outreach in addition to traditional law enforcement duties. They argued that fair compensation reflects both the risks officers take and the expanding scope of their responsibilities.

Budget pressures and taxpayer concerns

Despite these arguments, several residents voiced concerns about the overall cost of the proposed raises. Police salaries and benefits already represent a substantial portion of the town’s operating budget, and any increase could have ripple effects, potentially leading to higher property taxes or cuts elsewhere.

Some speakers questioned whether raises should be prioritized over other needs, such as road maintenance, schools, or services for seniors. Others asked whether efficiency measures or staffing adjustments could address retention issues without increasing pay.

“I respect what our officers do,” one resident said, “but every dollar we add here has to come from somewhere. We need to look at the whole picture.”

Town finance officials acknowledged these concerns, noting that even modest percentage increases can add up over time due to pension obligations and healthcare costs. They stressed the importance of balancing competitive compensation with long-term fiscal sustainability.

Comparisons with neighboring towns

A key element of the discussion centered on comparisons with surrounding communities. Data presented at the hearing showed that Hooksett officers earn less, on average, than their counterparts in several nearby towns. Supporters of the raises said this disparity puts Hooksett at a disadvantage, especially when officers can commute a short distance for better pay.

However, skeptics cautioned against an endless cycle of towns leapfrogging one another with higher salaries. They argued that matching the highest-paying departments may not be realistic for a town of Hooksett’s size and tax base.

Some residents suggested alternative approaches, such as targeted raises for hard-to-fill positions, longevity bonuses for experienced officers, or enhanced non-monetary benefits like flexible scheduling and professional development opportunities.

Community safety and morale

Beyond dollars and cents, the hearing underscored broader concerns about community safety and police morale. Supporters of the raises warned that understaffing or high turnover could lead to slower response times and reduced proactive policing, ultimately affecting residents’ sense of security.

Police representatives also spoke about morale, noting that feeling valued by the community plays a crucial role in job satisfaction. Competitive pay, they said, is one tangible way the town can demonstrate its support for law enforcement.

At the same time, several speakers emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency. They called for clear performance metrics and regular reviews to ensure that increased spending translates into effective policing and positive community outcomes.

What happens next

The budget hearing did not result in a final decision, but it provided town leaders with valuable feedback as they refine the proposed budget. The select board and budget committee are expected to continue discussions, weighing public input alongside financial projections and staffing needs.

Any approved raises would ultimately be reflected in the town’s annual budget, which may be subject to a vote by residents. Until then, the debate over police pay is likely to remain a focal point, reflecting broader national conversations about public safety, workforce retention, and responsible local governance.

As Hooksett moves forward, the challenge will be finding common ground—ensuring that police officers are fairly compensated while maintaining the fiscal discipline residents expect. The passionate turnout at the hearing made one thing clear: for this community, the issue is about more than numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about priorities, trust, and the future of public safety in town.