PORTSMOUTH, NH -- Mayor Eric Spear knows how much it costs the city to accommodate President Barack Obama's visit on Sept. 7. to a local museum, and now he wants to see the city reimbursed.

According to a letter that Spear wrote to U.S. Sens. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, and U.S. Rep.-elect Carol Shea Porter, D-NH, on Nov. 27., the President's visit to Strawbery Banke Museum cost $30,003.24. He asked them to file legislation to make have the federal government reimburse communities for the costs related to a visit by a sitting President. Spear's letter was included in the City Council's meeting packet that is posted on the city's web site.

"While it is an honor to have the president in our communities during the election cycle, or outside of it, the costs for additional security and related expenses for these unanticipated events can severely strain municipal budgets. If the presidential campaigns or the White House do not reimburse the communities, taxpayers are forced to pay the bill," Spear wrote.