What is the difference between an "official" and an "advisory" budget committee?

An official budget committee is one adopted by a vote of the legislative body under RSA 32:14. New Durham has an official Budget Committee therefore they have the duty to prepare the budget proposed to the meeting and to hold the required Public Hearings under RSA 32:16. In addition the total amount appropriated by the meeting, including amounts appropriation ins separate and special warrant articles, cannot exceed the total recommended by the Budget Committee by more than 10% RSA 32:18.

An unofficial committee is purely advisory and has none of the statutory duties or authority of an official budget committee. The governing body prepares the budget and holds the public hearings, and is not bound by the 10% rule.