N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 99:8

Upon request of the appointing authority, the governor and council are hereby authorized and empowered, notwithstanding any other provisions of the law to the contrary, upon a finding by them and a recommendation from the director of personnel that a an increase in pay is needed for successful recruitment of qualified personnel in any job title therefor, to increase pay of such classified positions, any such increases to be a charge against the pay adjustment fund.