Public hearing on city budget is March 11

posted on 3/9/2026

The City Council will hold a public hearing on all non-school city portions of the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget at its meeting on Wednesday, March 11. The Council previously held a public hearing on the School Department’s portion of the proposed budget at its Feb. 25 meeting.

In addition to public hearings, members of the public may provide their input on the proposed budget during the Public Forum section of any City Council meeting or budget workshop, and by emailing CityCouncil-All@dover.nh.gov. Find more information about the proposed budget, including budget documents and video recordings of all budget meetings at the FY2027 Budget Revealed website.

The City Council will also hold two public hearings on proposed ordinance changes before taking a vote. One ordinance change would repeal the Graffiti Management Advisory Committee.

The other proposed ordinance change would add parameters for naming city property, which includes city schools. It would require any request to name city property for an individual to be signed by 10 current residents not related to the individual, and the request cannot be considered until at least two years after the person’s death. Eligible individuals shall have lived in Dover and made significant contributions to the civic life of Dover, according to the resolution. The ordinance would not apply to historical markers or memorial plaques placed within public spaces. 

The City Council will also consider awarding a contract for removing the invasive milfoil plant from Willand Pond. City staff recommends the contract be awarded to Stahl Holdings, LLC for a three-year term for $47,455, utilizing ProcellaCOR for removal after reviewing diver-assisted suction harvesting (DASH) options, according to the resolution background materials. The city has received a $19,535 grant from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, which requires a 50% match from the city, bringing the total to $39,070.

Also on the agenda:

• Awarding the contract for sidewalk improvements to John H. Lyman & Sons for $254,585
• Authorize expending up to $175,000 to explore additional drinking water supply through the city’s hydrogeological consultant, Emery and Garrett Groundwater Investigations, LLC
• Award the contract for consulting services for aiding in the development of the Transportation Chapter of the Master Plan to Vanasse, Hangen, Brustlin, Inc. for $100,000
• Authorize $200,000 for contingency for the River Street pump station upgrades and $150,000 for additional construction oversight

Read the complete agenda.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers and will be televised on DoverTV and online, where it will be available on-demand.