WINDHAM — Money has taken center stage as the town prepares for President Obama's appearance at Windham High School Saturday.

“We are going to bill the campaign to offset the costs incurred by the town,” said Bruce Breton, chairman of the Board of Selectmen.

The decision was made shortly after the presidential visit was confirmed Wednesday morning. Americans for Prosperity emailed a letter to town officials demanding that taxpayer resources not be used during the Obama for America event.

“As both a financial watchdog and a resident of Windham, I believe that no taxpayer resources, including time, personnel or monies, should be used to support campaign activities for any candidate for public office,” said Corey Lewandowski, state director of the advocacy group Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire. “The taxpayers of Windham should not be responsible for shouldering any financial burden brought on by this or any other political visit.”

Town Administrator David Sullivan estimated it will cost $4,600 to pay five police officers and a part-time police employee and seven fire department EMTs for eight hours Saturday. Windham can seek reimbursement, but there's no guarantee of success, Sullivan said.

Obama will also be stopping in Rochester Saturday.

Rochester Mayor T.J. Jean said some city councilors discussed billing the President's campaign for security, but nothing came of it.

“We will not be billing the campaign for the cost,” Jean said Wednesday night. “And by all means, we would extend the same courtesy to the Romney campaign if they would like to come to Rochester as well.”

The town of Durham faced a similar issue when it asked the Obama campaign to repay almost $13,000 the town spent providing additional security for a presidential visit in June.

“When Durham raised the question, we did so respectfully, thoughtfully, and with an eye toward the taxes residents pay to support local services,” Town Administrator Todd Selig said Wednesday.

Selig said it's an honor to host a President and additional security is required. But if the visit is campaign-related and not an official state visit, use of tax dollars may be inappropriate, he said.

When the campaign did not reimburse Durham, an anonymous donor stepped forward, Selig said.

The donor has since retained a lawyer to see if the donation violates campaign finance law after the issue was raised by Americans for Prosperity, Selig said. Payment has not yet been made.

Windham Fire Chief Tom McPherson and Police Capt. Mike Caron said they have been working with the Secret Service on security plans for Saturday's visit.

Sullivan said security has been provided without reimbursement at political events in the past, including visits by Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum.

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Julie Hanson may be reached at Jhanson@newstote.com.