Strengthening fiscal management through cost-saving initiatives

As we navigate the complexities of the ongoing budget deliberations, I want to take this opportunity to highlight our commitment to fiscal stewardship and efficiency. In each edition of the Budget Revealed newsletter, we aim to showcase not just the numbers but the stories behind our budgeting process. Our city staff, across all departments, dedicate themselves year-round to adhering to updated financial policies and best practices and actively seeking out and implementing strategies that yield meaningful cost savings.

This dedication to financial prudence is not a one-time effort but a continuous journey toward sustainability and responsibility. Below are just a few examples of how these initiatives have positively impacted our city's financial health, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the services we provide to our community. Additional examples will continue to be published in each edition of the Budget Revealed newsletter.

J. Michael Joyal, Jr.

City Manager

Innovative brining equipment cuts costs in snow removal operations

The Community Services Department uses an innovative approach to snow removal that promises significant savings for the city's budget. Traditionally, the department would use up to 4,000 tons of road salt each winter, costing upwards of $280,000, based on current prices exceeding $71 per ton. This season, however, the department has used brining equipment to target a reduction in salt usage by as much as 25%. This strategic move could lead to savings of around $70,000, with the potential to increase to 40% savings on the annual salt budget as the team gains more experience with the technology.

Using brine — a mixture of salt and water — allows for a more efficient and uniform application of salt, reducing waste and environmental impact. Solid salt often scatters when applied, but brine sticks to the roads, making it more effective and efficient. This method not only conserves salt but also enables pre-treatment of roads before snowfall, reducing the need for emergency response during off-hours, which in turn decreases overtime costs.

The city's investment in commercial-grade brining equipment, including a mixing unit, two truck-mounted applicators, and two sidewalk-mounted applicators, totaled $128,000. Approved by the City Council, this equipment represents a significant upgrade from previous homemade units, offering precise control over application rates and real-time tracking via GPS.

This proactive approach to snow and ice management also aligns with environmental goals. The city has been monitoring chloride levels in local aquifers, noting increases in areas heavily trafficked and treated with road salt. By reducing salt use, the city also aims to protect its water sources, utilizing Aquifer Protection Funds to offset the equipment costs and lessen the financial impact on the General Fund.

Dover's strategic energy savings and community empowerment

The City of Dover, through its Dover Community Power program, has achieved approximately $500,000 in community-wide savings for both residential and commercial customers, offering the lowest default electric rate in New Hampshire. This initiative, in collaboration with the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire, has empowered the community with cost-effective energy solutions and underscored Dover's commitment to sustainable and resilient energy practices. Additionally, the hydro net metering agreement with Standard Power has further contributed to the city's revenue, adding $70,000 between 2022 and 2023, showcasing Dover's proactive approach to harnessing alternative energy sources for financial and environmental benefit.

Grant-funded project brings historical newspapers online

The Dover Public Library has significantly enhanced access to historical records by digitizing Foster’s Daily Democrat newspapers from 1873 to 1926. This monumental task was made possible thanks to a $9,750 grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, transforming these newspapers into a vital resource for historical and genealogical research related to New Hampshire's seacoast area.

Now housed in a fully searchable digital archive on the library's website, under the "Research & Learn" tab, this collection opens up a wealth of information to New Hampshire citizens and researchers nationwide. Before this project, accessing these archives required an in-person visit to the library, limiting their use to local residents or those able to travel. With digitization, the library has not only preserved these important historical documents but also made them readily accessible, expanding the reach of Dover’s rich history to a broader audience and ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Mental health first aid training grant empowers City employees

The City of Dover has secured a three-year mental health grant in collaboration with Community Partners, marking a significant step forward in community mental health awareness and support. This grant is designed to provide all city employees with comprehensive training in mental health first aid, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively assist residents experiencing mental health challenges.

This initiative benefits the city in two critical ways. First, it enables valuable training to be delivered to employees at no cost to the city, ensuring that staff across all departments are prepared to recognize and respond to mental health issues sensitively and appropriately. Second, it establishes a robust framework for employees to support distressed residents, guiding them toward the appropriate services and resources. By fostering a better understanding of mental health issues among city employees, this program not only enhances the city's capacity to offer timely and effective assistance to those in need but also strengthens the community's overall well-being.

The partnership with Community Partners underscores a shared commitment to enhancing mental health support and accessibility in Dover, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the complex needs of the community. Through this grant, the city demonstrates its dedication to creating a supportive environment where employees and residents alike have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Appropriations

The General Fund accounts for 79.9% of the operational spending of the City of Dover. The General Fund, funded primarily through property taxes, incorporates the spending in such areas as Police, Fire, Community Services and the School Department.

The Proprietary Funds are the next largest group, making up nearly 11.8% of the city's expenditures. This group is self-supporting and includes the Water and Sewer Utility Funds and the Internal Service Funds. The Internal Service Funds, used to account for the financing of goods or services provided by one department to other departments on a cost-reimbursement basis, are grouped in this section as they have the same basis of accounting, with city departments as their primary customer.

Special Revenue Funds are funds whose revenues are restricted to specific areas of spending, representing 8.7% of spending of the city. Many are Federal grants, such as the Community Development Block Grant and the School Federal Education Funds. Other Special Revenue Funds were established by the City Council, such as the Parking Activity Fund, Residential Solid Waste Fund, and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) Liability Fund. The Downtown Dover Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Fund and the Waterfront TIF Fund are also considered Special Revenue Funds. Both these funds are utilized to account for the costs of financing public improvements in each of the respective TIF districts.

For more information about budget funds, review the "Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Analysis," found on page 14 of the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget. Click here to access both documents.

What's the difference between

public and private finances?

Government finance is notably different from private-sector finances. Perhaps the most significant difference is transparency. 

By design, the municipal budget and government finances are open and transparent, allowing public access to all aspects of the city's finances, including reports that track spending and revenue. This transparency enables the city to communicate its financial health to its stakeholders, including taxpayers and elected officials. The city follows rigorous governmental accounting standards to track and report financial performance. These practices have resulted in numerous awards for excellence in accounting. The City of Dover provides easy access to these reports on its Financial Information webpage. 

Another key factor in public financial practices is how priorities are determined. The city's priorities are articulated, debated and decided upon by involved citizens and the community's elected representatives who serve on the School Board and City Council. 

The School Board adopts its budget in January which is included in the overall proposed budget before the City Council in February.