Concord Mayor Byron Champlin has set a serious tone for the City Council’s upcoming term, highlighting the challenging financial decisions that lie ahead. Following his second oath of office, Champlin emphasized the need for careful budgeting amid rising costs and the impact on residents. “Concord has a good thing going, but this success is neither accidental nor free,” he stated. He predicts that the next two budget cycles will demand “difficult choices” from council members.
The City Council, which includes two new members, is tasked with balancing ongoing investments in city projects and employee salaries against the potential burden on taxpayers. A forthcoming property revaluation is expected to disproportionately affect manufactured and multifamily housing, raising concerns among the city’s financially vulnerable residents.
Despite these challenges, Champlin remains hopeful about boosting commercial tax revenue. He pointed to areas like Penacook Village and Storrs Street as having significant potential for growth. “The Steeplegate Mall site still holds enormous potential,” he remarked. “We are seeing young entrepreneurs who love Concord step forward to make their mark. We need to ensure that, as these opportunities unfold, they are facilitated by the city to the greatest extent possible.”
The council will hold its first regular meeting on Monday night, which will include discussions on allocating a $2 million surplus from 2025 and expanding the areas where city savings can be utilized. Additionally, they will consider the nomination of former deputy attorney general Ann Rice to the zoning board.
Newly elected councilors Mark Davie and Aislinn Kalob, representing wards four and six respectively, were welcomed into the council during the orientation. They replace outgoing members, contributing to the council’s evolving dynamics. The meeting will also address some internal conflicts, particularly regarding Stacey Brown, a vocal member known for her probing questions about city finances.
In recent months, Brown has been particularly focused on the allocation of funds from the recreation reserve, a crucial part of the financing plan for the new Beaver Meadow golf course clubhouse. She has engaged in numerous discussions with the mayor and fellow councilors about financial transparency. However, in a move that some see as a bid to restrain her influence, she was not reappointed to several key committees, including those focused on transportation and community development.
Typically, communication between the council and city employees is directed through the city manager, yet councilors have the right to directly contact upper-level staff with inquiries. In a notable directive, City Manager Tom Aspell stated, “There’s one exception to that, and that’s Councilor Brown. Everything you do going forward will go directly to me,” underlining the council’s effort to streamline communication.
Aspell also reminded councilors of their role as representatives of the community. “What does discourse look like at city council meetings? How are disagreements handled? The community is paying very, very close attention to that,” he said, stressing the importance of professionalism in their dealings with residents and staff alike.
As Concord navigates these financial challenges, the next two years will be crucial for its development and the well-being of its citizens. The City Council’s approach to budgeting and investment will significantly shape the future of this New England city.
