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Select board reads resident's letter about revaluation, explains state law and abatement options
Summary
The select board read Barbara Khan's letter opposing Woodstock's appraisal method and explained that state law (Part 2, Article 6 of the New Hampshire constitution and RSA citation read into the record) requires periodic revaluations; board members outlined the abatement process, elderly‑exemption options and suggested contacting state legislators for statutory change.
The select board read a letter from resident Barbara Khan expressing opposition to the method used in the town's recent property revaluation and asking the town to reconsider replacement‑cost appraisal.
"I feel that is unfair since many of the properties sold were overvalued by the real estate business," Khan wrote in a December 19 letter that the board read into the record. The board's written reply, read aloud by the chair, cited the New Hampshire constitution (Part 2, Article 6) and a state statutory citation read into the minutes ("RSA 75 colon a 8 dash a") and explained that the town is required to conduct periodic revaluations and must rely on verified Woodstock sales for market‑value assessments.
Board members and residents then discussed practical options for homeowners who say higher assessments burden people on fixed incomes. Committee members said the select board cannot change the state‑prescribed valuation methodology and recommended residents pursue one of three paths: file an abatement for an individual property (information available from the town office), propose warrant articles at town meeting to change local exemptions or contact state legislators about changing statute.
The board described the abatement process and noted that spring tax bills are estimates because the final tax rate is set in the fall; any difference is reconciled across spring and fall bills. Members also explained that the town sometimes uses unassigned fund balance to offset tax rates and that residents who believe an assessment is incorrect should use the abatement process, though outcomes depend on facts such as recent verified sales.
The board did not change policy at the meeting; members asked staff to provide abatement forms and to ensure residents have guidance on exemptions and how to contact the Department of Revenue for questions.
