We took a look this week at how fuel prices are affecting the town of Hooksett, which is operating on a default budget. That means the town has to be run as if gas and diesel prices were at the level they were more than a year ago. As we know all too well, that isn’t the case. Gas and diesel are more than double the price now. Hooksett and many other towns have to live within the budget, so something is going to have to be cut to pay for fuel.

Department heads have considered laying off police, firefighters and highway workers; not paving roads; and not having fireworks for Old Home Day. Fireworks, well, that’s a no-brainer. We can live without those. Not paving roads is disappointing, especially on the worst of them, but that may be necessary for this year. But it is downright scary to think we may have to rely on a shrinking police force and fire department.

We’d like to know what our readers think. Do you see places where costs could be shaved? Would you be just as happy if there were no police patrolling your street for speeders and criminals? Should Hooksett stop picking up trash at people’s homes? Just what do you think the options are?

Perhaps with a few more minds set to solving this problem, a brilliant solution will emerge. If not, Hooksett is going to face a very tough year.

- Editorials published by Neighborhood News Inc. are written by an editorial board.

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