New Ashford sets single FY26 tax rate at $5.66, approves Williams Paving bid

The New Ashford Select Board on Aug. 25 approved a single townwide tax rate for fiscal year 2026 of $5.66 per $1,000 of assessed value and moved to accept Williams Paving’s low bid of $273,915.70 for scheduled road work.

The tax-classification hearing concluded with the board setting one tax rate for all property classes for FY26. The board did not record a roll-call vote in the meeting minutes; the transcript states the hearing was held and the single rate was set.

At the opening of the paving-bid discussion, the board announced four bids for the project: Williams Paving, $273,915.70 (unit prices listed as binder $102.58, tack $7.38, top $111.46); J. H. Maximillion, $335,640 total (binder $120.50, tack $17.50, top $140); Peckham, $282,850 (binder $110, tack $5.00, top $110); and Northeast Paving, $291,735 (binder $110, tack $12, top $115). Committee member Mark Phelps moved to accept the Williams Paving bid; Ken McInerney, MLP manager, seconded the motion. The transcript records the motion and second and indicates the board proceeded with acceptance; no vote tally was recorded in the minutes.

Board members and attendees discussed temporarily closing the road during the paving operation to avoid a seam where the new surface meets existing pavement, a step the board said could extend the life of the work by several years. The town’s reclamation contractor requested a waiver on the completion date so it could coordinate its schedule with the paving contractor; resident Keith Lacasse said he will obtain the waiver request for consideration at the next meeting.

The board also approved, signed and authorized staff to submit a letter endorsing a proposed northern railroad connection (see below). Lori Jayko was assigned to email the signed letter prior to the Sept. 5 deadline.

The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.; the next Select Board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.