Orange Select Board processes $991 abatement for WaveComm, avoids tax deed

The Orange Select Board voted unanimously on Aug. 26 to process an abatement of $991.09 for WaveComm, avoiding an impending tax deed that would have taken effect Aug. 28, 2025. The motion was made by Lucy LaChance and seconded by Samara Pitre; the motion passed 3-0.

Meeting minutes state the total tax billed was $939.79 and, including the deed notice charge, the amount due was listed as $991.08. Town staff reported a certified letter notifying WaveComm of the impending deed was returned unclaimed as of Aug. 8, 2025. Minutes note the tax collector, Sharon Proulx, does not expect the town will see payment unless an abatement is processed.

The board’s action removes the account from the deed process; minutes do not record any additional financial penalty or a repayment plan. The abatement motion does not indicate whether the town will pursue collections in other ways. The Select Board’s role as agent to expend funds from town capital reserve funds was noted elsewhere in the meeting but does not relate to the abatement decision.

Next steps recorded in the minutes: the abatement will be processed and no further public action on the item was scheduled in these minutes. The town’s tax collector had previously advised the board of the August deed deadline.