In a recent meeting of the Candia Board of Selectmen, residents voiced their concerns over a significant increase in land assessments that has left many feeling overwhelmed. The new valuation of $228,700 per acre has sparked frustration among homeowners, particularly those with modest properties.

One resident shared their experience, revealing that their land's taxable value skyrocketed from $35,000 to $268,000 for 4.4 acres, nearly doubling in value. This staggering increase has raised eyebrows, especially since it surpasses the entire property assessment from the previous year. The resident noted that a cursory check of other properties in Candia indicated a similar trend, with many homeowners facing the same cookie-cutter assessment regardless of their land's unique characteristics.

The assessment process has left some residents feeling burdened, particularly those with less than three acres. The current valuation system appears to disproportionately affect those with modest homes, as additional acreage remains assessed at a much lower rate of $5,000 per acre. This has led to calls for a more nuanced approach to property assessments that considers the diverse nature of land ownership in the community.

In an attempt to seek clarity, the resident reached out to the town administrator, who directed them to Steven Hamilton of Whitney Consulting Group, the firm responsible for the assessment. Unfortunately, the resident reported being left without satisfactory answers, highlighting a gap in communication regarding the assessment process.

As residents await their tax bills, many are contemplating the possibility of applying for assessment abatements, a process that remains unclear to some. The meeting underscored the need for transparency and dialogue between the town officials and the community, as residents grapple with the implications of these new valuations on their financial well-being.