The Hudson Budget Committee met on May 6 to review an expenditure report from Town Administrator Roy Sorenson, who outlined the town’s financial position through April 30.
“We’re through April 30; that’s 83% of the fiscal year,” Sorenson said. “The general fund is at 86% at $32,505,896. Sewer is at 70%, at $1,491,827, and water is at 100%. Revenue is at 43%, but we are getting a billing cycle in, so I expect that number to come up.”
Vehicle registration revenue, which dipped in February, rebounded in March. The report also included updates on encumbrances, funds set aside for future expenses, and revenue from exaction fees tied to the Target Logistics Center.
Vice-Chair Kim Rice asked for an update on the status of the Logistics Center. Sorenson said only the building shell has been completed and that he did not have a firm occupancy date. Selectman Liaison Xen Vurgaropulos added, “I heard a rumor that they’re ready to pour the slab and cutting the bay doors. Those should be done in a couple of months. As far as occupancy goes, they’re still standing strong on 2029.”
A platform truck for the Hudson Fire Department, funded through the Target Center payout, is currently under construction and expected to be available soon.
The most significant financial pressure continues to come from the Water Utility Fund. “For water, we have three wells we generally run, and two of those wells are offline due to PFAS contamination, so we’re buying more water,” Sorenson said. “That has gone up exponentially over the past three years and will probably keep going that way. The cost to rehabilitate those wells would be astronomical.” He emphasized that water and sewer funds operate differently from the general fund and will require further review by the Board of Selectmen.
The two contaminated wells are located in Litchfield, with a third Hudson used well also at risk due to widespread PFAS contamination across Southern New Hampshire.
Salaries remain a major portion of town spending, with the Department of Public Works seeing increased overtime costs following a snowy winter.
Committee member Kevin Walsh raised the possibility of outsourcing certain tasks. “This is just something rolling around in my head, but when we look at our core competencies in different departments like public works, streets, and more, would it make sense to outsource some of the work in the parks, for example, mowing and taking care of things?” he asked. “Look at the School District; they outsource some of those functions that allow them to operate more efficiently.”
Sorenson said he would “dig into the numbers” to determine whether outsourcing could save money, while also praising the Department of Public Works for its performance.
