Henniker selectmen accept $10,000 bid from New England College for town lot 405‑C

The Henniker Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to accept a $10,000 sealed bid from New England College for town lot 405‑C, a small tax‑deeded parcel off Western Avenue surrounded on three sides by the college.

Town administrator Diane presented the sealed‑bid results and an accounting of recoverable proceeds under state law, citing RSA 808:8. Diane said the town received two bids: Patricia Labnan, the abutter to the north, at $2,000, and New England College at $10,000. She told the board the amount the town can recover from the sale — limited to principal taxes, interest and related costs — is roughly $6,067.69, leaving an estimated excess of about $3,900 to be paid to the previous owner.

"The board received two bids," Diane said, "and if the board were to accept the $10,000 bid, then of that $10,000 the board could keep roughly $6,068 and the previous owner would receive the excess proceeds." Diane reviewed the components of that recoverable total, including $1,348.48 in taxes due at the time of deeding, about $2,330 in subsequent annual taxes (2013–2024) calculated as if the town had been taxing the parcel, approximately $15.76 in accrued interest, newspaper and recording costs, and a 10% penalty on the assessed value (about $700).

Board members discussed tradeoffs between immediate cash recovery and potential future taxable value if the college were to develop or merge the lot with adjacent property. Diane noted that if New England College applies for tax‑exempt status for the parcel, it would likely become exempt for educational purposes, which could reduce future property tax revenue. Several selectmen also observed that recovering funds now returns money to the former owner and places otherwise idle property back into productive ownership.

Marco moved to accept the New England College bid; Morse seconded. The board voted 5‑0 to accept the $10,000 bid and direct staff to prepare the purchase and sale documents with the town attorney.

Next steps include preparing closing documents and issuing a check for the excess proceeds to the previous owner unless heirs come forward; Diane said if heirs cannot be located the town would follow the interpleader process through Merrimack County Court to allow claimants to petition for the funds. One property related to recent tax deeds was noted as scheduled for auction Oct. 25 by JSJ Auctions.

The acceptance of the bid and the votes were recorded as part of the regular meeting minutes.