Although Portsmouth experienced an increase in births in fiscal year 2011, the city recorded decreases in marriages, deaths, fire service calls, police service calls, arrests, library patrons, registered vehicles and construction value. 

Highlights of the last fiscal year, which ended June 30, were recently made available in the city’s annual report, which is available for public viewing at City Hall, Portsmouth Public Library or online.

According to the report, 595 people were born in Portsmouth in FY 2011 (only 128 of them Portsmouth residents), up from 579 in FY 2010. The city recorded 228 deaths, down from 319 the year before. A total of 266 couples got married in Portsmouth (74 of them city residents), down from 291 the year before.

The Fire Department received 2,472 calls for service, down from 2,570 in FY 2010. But the department received 2,970 emergency medical service calls, an increase of more than 400 from the year before. 

The Police Department received 31,115 calls for service in FY 2011, down from 34,032 the year before. The department made 1,189 arrests, down from 1,264. The department also made 6,675 motor vehicle stops and issued 703 traffic citations.

Portsmouth Public Library welcomed 18,700 patrons in FY 2011 and circulated 476,711 items, both decreases from FY 2010. But the number of books, CDs and DVDs available at the library increased during the year.

The number of building permits the city processed went up from 845 in FY 2010 to 853 in FY 2011, but the total declared construction value decreased markedly from $51.2 million in FY 2010 to $40.9 million in FY 2011. 

There were 21,505 vehicles registered in Portsmouth as of June 30, down from 23,635 at the end of FY 2010.

The city’s top taxpayer in FY 2011 was the Public Service Company of New Hampshire, which paid more than $162 million. 

The city’s operating budget for fiscal year 2012 is $86,456,844, an increase of roughly $152,000 over the FY 2011 budget. 

The entire annual report can be viewed by clicking on the link at www.cityofportsmouth.com.