Residents press board on reassessment; new regional planning commissioner seeks liaison role

Two notable public items came near the end of the Dec. 2 agenda. Resident Anne Lacey addressed the board about the 2024 town assessment and a recent reevaluation that raised the buildable-acre valuation figure to $228,700. Lacey said the change dramatically increased the assessed value applied to her property and asked how the board approved it. Board members explained that the Department of Revenue Administration and contract assessors set valuation methodology and that residents can pursue an abatement after the tax rate is set; staff offered to follow up with the assessor and recommended the standard abatement process.

Separately, Ron Labrador introduced himself as the town's newly appointed representative to the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission. Labrador asked how he could serve as a better liaison — citing interests in grants, the Capital Improvement Plan and signage issues such as at Exit 3 — and board members recommended he review the town master plan, coordinate with the planning board and pursue funding opportunities where appropriate.

The board encouraged residents with assessment questions to work with the assessor or use the abatement process after tax bills are issued, and asked Labrador to maintain contact with town staff and the planning board.