NRPC approves Franklin town plan and OKs 3% municipal assessment increase for FY2027
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Summary
The NRPC board approved the Town of Franklins plan, confirmed Franklins active planning and granted a positive energy determination; the commission also approved a 3% municipal assessment increase for fiscal year 2027, with one commissioner abstaining from votes.
The Northwest Regional Planning Commission voted to approve the Town of Franklins adopted town plan, to confirm the towns ongoing planning activity, and to grant a positive energy determination under state statute.
Catherine Dimitrick, NRPC staff, summarized the three-review roles the commission performs under state law: (1) approval that a town plan meets statutory content and map requirements, (2) confirmation that a town is actively planning (budgeting and implementation), and (3) a positive energy determination for plans that include an enhanced energy chapter. Members of the plan-and-policy committee, including Elizabeth Nance and Megan Sherlund, said they reviewed the Franklin plan and recommended approval.
A motion to approve the Franklin Town Plan was moved and seconded; the motion carried on voice vote. Commissioner Mike Bishop said he would abstain from the votes because he had not read the plan. The board later approved a motion to confirm Franklins planning process and a separate motion granting a positive energy determination; Bishop abstained from those votes as well.
The commission then took up the FY2027 municipal assessment rate. Finance chair Kirk (committee chair) said the committee recommends following NRPCs municipal assessment policy: raise assessments by 3% per year or the Employment Cost Index (New England), whichever is lower. With the New England ECI reported at 3.2% for the year, the committee recommended a 3% increase. The commission moved, seconded and approved the 3% assessment increase.
Board members and staff noted that the assessment decision will be followed by a one-page annual report customized for each member town and distributed in mid-November; staff also urged members to consult the meeting packet for detailed tables showing each towns new assessment amount.
The meeting concluded with commissioner announcements and recognition of an NRPC staff award.
