By Dale Girard
Mayoral Notes
As we approach the upcoming Claremont City Council meeting on Sept. 25, a few key issues stand out, particularly the presentation of the 2023 audit and its implications for the long-debated Washington Street paving project. Another topic that will undoubtedly spark conversation is the naming of the new dog park, located within the confine of Moody Park. Both discussions are essential for different reasons, and I look forward to addressing them with the thoughtfulness and attention they deserve.
First, the financial health of our city will be front and center. Our council has wisely chosen to hear the 2023 audit presentation before making any final decisions on the Washington Street paving project. This is a responsible step — ensuring we are grounded in a clear understanding of our financial situation before making significant expenditures.
The audit is expected to confirm that Claremont has a healthy fund balance, comfortably within the recommended range of 5% to 17%, as outlined by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA). This fund balance serves as a financial cushion, protecting the city from unforeseen expenses or revenue shortfalls. With this healthy balance, we are presented with an opportunity to make necessary improvements, like the much-needed repaving of Washington Street, without negatively impacting taxpayers.
One option is to move forward with the Washington Street project using funds from this balance; there would be no tax implication for residents — a critical factor in these challenging economic times. Investing in our infrastructure while staying fiscally responsible is a win-win situation for Claremont. After the audit is presented, the council will have the information needed to decide if we can proceed, ensuring the city’s fiscal health remains strong while addressing the long-term needs of our community.
The City Council will be provided with a second option for addressing the Washington Street paving project. While the council has the option to utilize available funds from the current fund balance to move forward, they could also consider replenishing those funds with a five-year bond in January. This approach, which was initially discussed when the project was first reviewed a few months ago, would allow for immediate progress while maintaining financial flexibility. By leveraging a bond, the city can spread the cost over time, ensuring that essential projects like this can be funded without placing an undue burden on the city’s resources.
Another topic on the agenda that deserves thoughtful consideration is the naming of the dog park. Moody Park has been a fixture in Claremont for over a century, and it was donated with the explicit understanding that it would retain the name “Moody Park.” I believe we should honor that stipulation, as we did when we established the disc golf course. The community knows it as the Moody Park Disc Golf Course — no new name needed, and the same should apply to the dog park. The importance lies in respecting the history and legacy of Moody Park, not in creating fancy names.
These discussions reflect the balance between progress and preservation. Whether it’s about paving a vital roadway or honoring a historical donation, our decisions must always prioritize the needs of the community while respecting the values that have shaped Claremont.
I look forward to hearing from residents and my fellow council members on these important topics. As always, our goal should be to make decisions that not only improve our city today but ensure a bright and sustainable future for generations to come.
