Master Plan Nashua Fire Rescue, NH
Current or Upcoming Areas of Interest
In 1993, Nashua voters passed a Budget Control Charter Amendment that limited budget growth to an
increase of no more than the average annual consumer price index (CPI-U) over the past 3 years. This could
severely limit the flexibility of the city to respond during an economic crisis. In 2019, the New Hampshire
Supreme Court upheld the decision by lower courts that the Amendment was unenforceable, making this no
longer a concern.
The City has an ordinance stating that its policy is to maintain a minimum unassigned general fund balance
of 10% of the fiscal year appropriations. This allows for additional reserves as well.
The City of Nashua continues to perform well in all audits and has been awarded the Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the
United States and Canada for its CAFR for the past 14 fiscal years.
MANAGEMENT COMPONENTS
Effective fire department management is a common challenge for fire service leaders. Today's fire
departments must address management complexities that include an effective organizational structure,
adequacy of response, maintenance of competencies, a qualified workforce, and financial sustainability for
the future. In the following report section, ESCI examined Nashua Fire Rescue’s current efforts to manage
the organization, and identified measures and best practices as the Department moves into the future.
The development of baseline management components in an organization enables it to move forward in an
organized and effective manner. In the absence of foundational management elements, the organization will
tend to operate in a random and generally ineffective manner.
NFPA 1201: Standard for Providing Fire and Emergency Services to the Public, addresses the need to have an
adopted master plan, an established organizational structure, established mutual aid systems, and a variety
of other managerial attributes in place to best serve the community effectively. Of specific focus are mission,
vision, and values statements that can be utilized as the department moves forward.
Mission, Vision, and Organizational Values
A mission statement is an explanation of the organization's reason for existence. The mission statement
supports the vision and communicates purpose and direction to employees, customers, and other
stakeholders. The mission statement should answer the questions “What is our organization's purpose?” and
“Why does our organization exist?” As illustrated below, Nashua Fire Rescue's Mission Statement answers
these questions.
Figure 50. Nashua Fire Rescue’s Mission Statement
To create a safe and vibrant community through risk reduction, preparedness,
and a proactive all hazards response plan.
ESC) Emergency Services 8
Consulting International 5
