Taxation Aid Committee adopts $15,000 fundraising goal for 2026

The Taxation Aid Committee on Jan. 26 adopted a $15,000 fundraising goal for 2026 to bolster aid for residents’ tax bills. Amy Hamilton moved to adopt the target and Christine Wedge seconded; the motion passed unanimously among eligible voters, with Steve Wightman ineligible to vote because he has not yet been sworn in.

Committee members said the current pool of unrestricted donations earmarked for 2026 totals just under $1,100, and noted that the account balance still shows $8,448.66 because some 2025 donations have not yet been applied to recipients’ accounts. The committee framed the fundraising target as necessary to expand assistance for residents who need help paying property tax bills.

Members agreed on several outreach steps to reach the goal. Steve Wightman volunteered to contact potential larger sponsors and explore matching-donation pledges and will report back at the next meeting if he identifies prospects. Amy Hamilton said she will draft a letter to local realtors urging donations and highlighting the program’s role in helping residents remain in their homes. Christine Wedge will investigate producing a public "thermometer" graphic that displays progress toward the fundraising total.

The committee set its next meeting for Monday, Feb. 23 at 5:00 p.m. and adjourned at 4:56 p.m.