Applicant Adam Newton asks board to abate about $277 in penalties on 3 Hanover Street

The Board of Abatement on Aug. 13 heard from Adam Newton, the taxpayer for 3 Hanover Street, who requested abatement of penalties and interest that he said his family could not pay. Newton told the board that the property taxes themselves were covered each year when his household filed income taxes and received refunds, but that “we just can't pay our penalties,” and that penalties had accumulated while the family struggled financially. He described ongoing repairs to a duplex unit he owns and said the household is low-income, supported in part by disability benefits and banking-counseling assistance. City Assessor Emily Norway confirmed the outstanding penalty/interest total on the record as $277.34 and explained interest accrues monthly at 1 percent. Norway also said penalties are charged under the city charter and that penalty waivers are considered case by case by the city manager; she noted the waiver process typically covers a single installment and requires payment within 30 days to be considered. Board members asked about mortgage status, payment plans and whether the board’s jurisdiction covers waivers of penalties (a related administrative process handled by town staff). Newton said he and his household plan to continue paying the underlying tax each year and requested relief only from the late penalties. The board closed the hearing and said it would deliberate with other hearings and issue written decisions about 30 days after the meeting.