DURHAM, N.H. — Town officials and community leaders reportedly are asking the Obama for America campaign for reimbursement of costs related to public safety services in place for the President’s scheduled visit to the community on Monday.
According to a statement released by Town Administrator Todd Selig Friday night, the town is asking the campaign for an estimated $20,000 to $30,000 for police and fire services.
“While pleased that the campaign has chosen Durham, a quintessential New England College community, as the backdrop for Monday’s scheduled campaign visit, community leaders do not believe that costs associated with the campaign should be borne by local taxpayers,” the statement reads.
The town has historically absorbed all costs related to public safety services required by the Secret Service during a presidential visit.
On Monday, Obama is expected to speak in the gymnasium of Oyster River High School at 55 Coe Drive in Durham. No details have been released pertaining to the content of his speech.
Since this is will be a campaign visit rather than a presidential one, the town has decided the campaign should absorb the expense instead of the taxpayers. Past campaigns have honored this practice for the costs, which are not budgeted and represent 25 to 30 percent of Durham’s budgeted public safety overtime costs for the fiscal year.
There has not yet been a resolution or agreement to cover public safety costs despite the town reaching out to the campaign over the last two days.
The town seeks a firm commitment from the Obama for America campaign to reimburse the community for these campaign-related costs and is hopeful the issue may be resolved over the weekend.
(c)2012 the Foster’s Daily Democrat (Dover, N.H.)
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