Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press for fairer schedule; voters move second tax payment to March 16
Summary
After questions about household cash-flow and escrow timing, Harrison residents successfully amended Article 7 to move the second property-tax installment from Feb. 1 to March 16, 2027; the amendment was adopted and the amended motion carried.
Residents at the Town of Harrison annual meeting questioned the proposed tax schedule and won an amendment that delays the second installment by six weeks.
Tara Reynolds, speaking from the microphone, asked why the town planned a Sept. 16 first payment and a Feb. 1 second payment, noting that February is often a costly month for households with heating and plowing bills. "I'm Tara Reynolds... I'm wondering why we wouldn't have a schedule that would be 6 months..." she said.
Steve McFarland proposed changing the second payment date to March 16, 2027. After the amendment was seconded and opportunities for discussion, voters adopted the amendment and then approved the amended article. The transcript records 59 yes votes on the amended motion.
Select board members and the moderator explained the original schedule was chosen in part for administrative efficiencies and cash-flow smoothing. The town manager and others said the board could consider alternative payment schedules at a later select-board meeting and that staff could explore payment alternatives for taxpayers who need them.
Next steps: The treasurer/tax collector will implement the revised due date and update town materials; residents who use escrow payments through mortgage companies were advised during discussion that they may need to contact their lenders or the town to adjust schedules.
