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Selectboard discusses tax-deed actions and common‑land assessment on Dan Webster Highway
Summary
The board reviewed several delinquent-tax matters: it moved to deed 132 Paradise Road if unpaid by May 22, discussed an unresolved condominium parcel at 22 Dwarf with unclear ownership, and recommended signing a deed waiver and revisiting a newly taxed common‑land parcel on Dan Webster Highway linked to a Jack O'Lantern association.
The Woodstock Selectboard reviewed a set of tax-title and assessment issues brought by staff and moved on several precautionary steps.
Board members voted to deed 132 Paradise Road if the outstanding balance — reported at $2,739 — was not paid by May 22 and to sign a deed waiver on another parcel if it remained unpaid by the same date; the board agreed to revisit the Dan Webster Highway/common-land matter in two to three months while staff continues research.
Staff described 22 Dwarf (a condominium lot) as having unclear ownership and demolition status; assessors have not been able to track ownership, and the town cannot readily bill the property for association fees. The board discussed that an association or a family previously worked with a lawyer but that resolving title could be lengthy.
On Dan Webster Highway, staff said a building had been placed on what assessor records treat as common land (part of the Jack O'Lantern association common area). Because assessors detected a structure during a site visit, the parcel appeared on the tax roll even though common land is typically nontaxable. Staff recommended the board sign a deed waiver now and continue investigating ownership and correct billing addresses; the board moved, seconded and approved that approach and asked staff to return with findings in a few months.
Board members asked staff to coordinate with Franklin and Reynolds and with local contacts to identify association officers and to consult Priscilla Khan for historical knowledge. The board discussed typical limitations on town authority in abandoned-property/title issues and noted that some cases take years to resolve.
Actions recorded indicate motions were made and seconded and carried; one member (Scott) later abstained on an unrelated procedural vote to approve minutes. Staff will continue title research and return recommendations to the board.
