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Selectboard discusses town woodlot sale, elderly‑exemption review, transfer station phone plans and education tax petition
Summary
Board members discussed a possible sale of the town woodlot and agreed to consult the Conservation Commission; a resident asked to reconsider the elderly property tax exemption but the board made no changes; staff will explore phone/internet options for the transfer station; the cyclical revaluation was submitted to DRA; and the Board will deny a petition challenging the statewide education tax in writing per NHMA guidance.
A series of administrative and policy items were reviewed by the Stratford Selectboard on March 23, 2026.
Town woodlot: The potential sale of the town woodlot that had been raised at Town Meeting was discussed. The Board noted the Conservation Commission manages the property and may oppose a sale and agreed to meet with the Commission to gather its input before proceeding.
Elderly exemption: A resident requested reconsideration of the elderly property tax exemption. Board members said exemption amounts and income/asset limits were updated three years ago and that no changes are planned at this time; the Board will continue to monitor the issue.
Transfer station communications: The Board discussed installing a phone system at the transfer station contingent on internet availability; if internet service is not feasible, staff will continue to use cell phones. The Board directed staff to explore phone and internet options.
Cyclical revaluation: The town's cyclical revaluation has been submitted to the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA); the Board is awaiting feedback and will decide if recommended changes are necessary after receiving DRA guidance.
Statewide education tax petition: The Board reviewed a request challenging the constitutionality of the statewide education property tax. Following guidance, the Board concluded the town does not have authority to rule on constitutionality and directed staff to deny the request in writing in accordance with New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA) guidance and to notify the Town Attorney in the event of further legal action.
Manifests and documents: The record shows manifest signings for 03/09/2026 and 03/16/2026 were approved (document lists C. Goulet / R. Scott Jr. approved 2–0). A motion was recorded to approve minutes (SM 03/9) and several documents, including abatement/cave, building/Verizon items, RTK policy update, a junkyard license, contracts and inspection reports; the transcript notes these items were signed or motioned for approval but does not provide full vote tallies for each item.
