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EDAC recommends town council extend and expand commercial/industrial tax exemption as Marmon weighs Hooksett expansion
Summary
The Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee voted to recommend that the town council extend and broaden its RSA 72:80 commercial/industrial tax‑exemption limits (EDAC recommended up to seven years and a 30% cap) and to consider adding eligible properties, citing interest from manufacturer Marmon.
The Hooksett Economic Development Advisory Committee voted to recommend that the Town Council revisit the local commercial/industrial tax exemption under RSA 72:80 and consider increasing the town’s authorization from the current baseline. EDAC’s motion asked the council to consider increasing the maximum term from five years to seven years and to raise the cap on the local percentage to at least 30 percent; the motion passed on a voice vote.
Why it matters: EDAC members said the measure is intended to help Hooksett compete for a substantial industrial expansion — committee members discussed contact from Marmon, which told staff it was considering Hooksett and other locations. Members argued that enhancing the local exemption ceiling would give the council tools to negotiate with large prospective employers and that any award remains at the council’s discretion and would be decided on a case‑by‑case basis.
What the committee voted on: an EDAC motion (moved and seconded during the meeting) recommended that the Town Council extend the current RSA 72:80 authorization and consider increasing the allowable exemption period up to seven years and increasing the cap, with EDAC suggesting at least 30 percent as a target for the council to consider. After discussion the committee voted in favor.
The committee and staff discussed timing: the existing local adoption of the program dates from 2021 and members noted that council action before the end of the year would preserve the town’s ability to make timely offers to companies that need to apply before starting construction. Grant (economic development staff) told the committee that Marmon and staff have been in contact and that council action would affect Marmon’s timeline for a firm commitment.
EDAC members emphasized that an increase in the town’s maximum would not automatically grant the exemption to any project. One member noted that the council maintains discretion and that each application must be filed before construction begins. The group asked staff to draft a recommendation for the council and to provide the list of currently designated properties that are eligible under the current program so the council and boards can evaluate whether additional properties should be included.
Action recorded: EDAC approved the recommendation to the Town Council by voice vote during the meeting.
