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Deep River discussion on switching Tax Collector to appointed post draws public concern; decision tabled
Summary
Residents and selectmen discussed a proposal to change the Tax Collector from an elected to appointed position; Jonathan Obrit of the Republican Town Committee argued it would reduce voter control, officials noted the current collector plans to retire in November and the Board tabled the matter pending Town Meeting approval.
A proposal to change the Tax Collector in Deep River from an elected office to an appointed position drew public comment and further discussion at the Board of Selectmen meeting on May 26.
Jonathan Obrit, chair of the Republican Town Committee, spoke during the Audience of Citizens to oppose the change, saying it would “reduce citizens' ability to directly choose the officeholder” and would limit voters’ ability to remove an ineffective officeholder through elections. Board members discussed the proposal later in the agenda, noting the current Tax Collector plans to retire in November 2026 and that any change would require approval at Town Meeting.
The Board did not take action to alter the Tax Collector’s status at the meeting and formally tabled the discussion until the next meeting to allow for further consideration and for Town Meeting deliberation if members choose to proceed.
