During a recent town meeting, discussions centered on the potential sale of town-owned properties, prompted by inquiries from residents interested in purchasing land. Town official Tom outlined the existing procedures for selling property, noting that the town currently owns approximately 90 properties, of which about 50 could be considered for sale. These properties range from small, landlocked lots to larger parcels that may offer logging opportunities.
Tom emphasized the importance of a careful approach to selling these properties, stating that he intends to handle the process incrementally rather than attempting to sell multiple properties at once. This strategy aims to avoid overwhelming town resources and ensure thorough research on each property before any decisions are made.
The conversation also highlighted the financial implications of selling town property. By returning these properties to the tax rolls, the town could generate significant revenue, which is particularly relevant given ongoing discussions about property taxes within the community. Members of the housing advisory committee expressed support for exploring this initiative further, recognizing its potential to impact the town's financial health.
Tom confirmed that there is a documented process for property sales, which includes steps such as researching requests, consulting with the conservation committee, and obtaining input from the planning board before final decisions are made by the select board. He committed to sharing these procedural documents with interested parties to ensure transparency and collaboration throughout the process.