Selectmen reviewed mapping and tax details Feb. 11 for a parcel linked to a prior excavation permit and an outstanding current-use change tax issue. The item was pulled from the consent agenda so the town can verify the proper calculation of the current-use change assessment before final action.

A presenter provided maps showing the extent of upland/dry land on the parcel and said the mapped dry area corresponds to where previous excavation was permitted. The board discussed setbacks for a proposed leach field, potential lot-line adjustments or subdivision routes and whether a planning-board site walk would be useful to assess wetlands and developability.

Town staff and the new assessor will calculate the current-use change assessment history. As described by staff, the property received an excavation permit about five years earlier; the current-use change did not get recorded at that time and resurfaced when the owner reapplied for a gravel permit. The board asked staff to determine the correct assessment method (for example, whether the calculation should start at the date the permit triggered the current-use change) and to return with a recommended resolution.

Why it matters: The town cannot complete a transfer or offer of tax-deeded land without resolving tax-assessment obligations and clarifying the parcel’s developable area and any wetlands issues. The board made clear these matters must be resolved before any public action or sale.

Key actions and next steps
- Consent-agenda item removed: The board removed the parcel item from the consent agenda to allow staff to verify tax calculations and planning implications.
- Assessor and manager follow-up: Town Manager David and assessor Steve Hamilton (identified in discussion) will review the file, “knock some numbers around” and come back to the board with a recommendation, including the proper calculation for the current-use change assessment.
- Planning review: The board asked staff to run the mapping and plan through the planning office to determine whether a lot-line adjustment, subdivision or other process is required; a planning-board site walk was suggested.
- Nonpublic possible next step: Board members suggested a confidential conversation (nonpublic session) and private outreach to the property owner to discuss an offer once tax and planning questions are resolved.

Ending: The select board asked staff to collect tax and planning information and return with recommended next steps and an explanation of the assessment calculation at a future public meeting.