Selectmen approve fee increases, authorize EMPG grant; discuss elderly tax‑freeze options

The Columbia Board of Selectmen approved a package of fee increases and authorized an emergency‑management grant application at its March 24 meeting.

Votes: The board voted to approve proposed fee increases for beach passes, boat and kayak slips/racks, facility usage (Yeomans Hall and Beckers Senior Center), transfer‑station stickers and building‑permit fees (some building fees effective July 1). The board also approved increases to recreation program fees and pavilion rental charges. Motions on these items were carried by voice vote; the transcript records affirmative votes but does not provide a roll‑call tally.

Grant authorization: The board moved to approve an authorization resolution to submit the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) application for fiscal year 2026–27; that motion also passed by voice vote.

Elderly tax freeze: Selectmen discussed state eligibility criteria for an elderly tax‑freeze program (transcript references state guidance including age/residency limits — e.g., age 80 and 25 years’ residency — and income limits noted as part of further research). Board members said the state previously funded related benefits but stopped, and they directed staff to research program details and fiscal impacts so the board can evaluate potential eligibility and costs.

Budget and administrative items: The board accepted a resignation from Rob Hauschild from the Traffic and Transportation Committee, approved transfers totaling several thousand dollars (e.g., $18,364 and a follow‑up transfer of $3,600), approved refunds totaling $425.23, and approved payment of bills totaling $370,761.79.

The meeting then recessed into an executive session on real estate and later returned with no action taken before adjourning.