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Manchester Mayor Proposes 3% Tax Increase in Balanced Budget
Ruais' budget plan includes across-the-board cuts, increased school funding, and investments in public services
Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:19am
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In his third budget address as mayor, Republican Jay Ruais proposed a $200 million city budget and $234 million school budget for Manchester, New Hampshire. Ruais' plan includes a 2% cut to most city department budgets, a 1.5% cut to the Fire Department, and no reduction to the Police Department. The total tax increase under Ruais' proposal is 3%. While the school budget is $500,000 less than the district's own tax cap-compliant total, it is still $3 million more than last year's budget. Ruais has focused on balancing the needs of taxpayers and city services, including investments in infrastructure, first responders, and addressing homelessness and opioid abuse.
Why it matters
Ruais' budget proposal aims to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and funding critical city services. As Manchester faces economic pressures, the mayor' plan to limit tax increases while maintaining core functions like education, public safety, and infrastructure is an important test of his leadership. The budget will also shape the city' ability to address pressing social issues like homelessness and the opioid crisis.
The details
Ruais' budget plan includes a 2% cut to most city department budgets, excluding contractual commitments. The Fire Department was cut by 1.5% and the Department of Public Works by 1%, while the Police Department saw no reduction. The $200 million city budget and $234 million school budget keep overall spending within the city' tax cap. The total tax increase is 3%. The school budget is $500,000 less than the district' own tax cap-compliant total, but still $3 million more than last year. Ruais has increased school spending by $14 million since taking office, while keeping it below requested levels. The budget also invests in infrastructure, first responders, and initiatives to address homelessness and opioid abuse.
- Ruais delivered his third budget address as mayor on March 27, 2026.
The players
Jay Ruais
The Republican mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire, who has proposed a balanced budget plan for the city.
Manchester Board of Aldermen
The city' legislative body that will consider and vote on Ruais' budget proposal.
Manchester School District
The public school system in Manchester, whose budget is included in Ruais' overall proposal.
What they’re saying
“Our duty is to protect them by bringing balance to city spending, living within our means, and making sure the needs of the city, the school district, and every household are weighed fairly.”
— Jay Ruais, Mayor of Manchester
“If we remain disciplined, creative, and united, we will emerge from this budget season stronger, more efficient, and better positioned to deliver the services that our residents deserve.”
— Jay Ruais, Mayor of Manchester
What’s next
The Manchester Board of Aldermen will now consider and vote on Ruais' budget proposal.
The takeaway
Mayor Ruais' budget plan aims to balance the needs of taxpayers and city services, investing in key areas like education, public safety, and infrastructure while limiting tax increases. This approach will be closely watched as Manchester navigates economic pressures and seeks to address pressing social issues.
