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Selectmen approve special-use permit for water tank on Forest Service land; agree to seek clarification on small land-use fee
Summary
The board approved a special-use permit allowing a water tank on U.S. Forest Service land, authorized the town manager to sign the permit and asked staff to query the Forest Service about a modest annual land-use fee and payment-in-lieu-of-taxes arrangements.
The Board of Selectmen voted to accept a Forest Service special-use permit that authorizes construction of a water tank on federal land and authorized the town manager to sign the permit on the town’s behalf.
During discussion, staff said the permit requires adding the U.S. government as an additional insured on the town’s insurance policy and noted an annual land-use fee for about $646.80 for three acres. A member asked whether the town should seek an abatement or negotiate with the Forest Service since the Forest Service pays payments in lieu of taxes (PILT) annually; staff replied the Forest Service already provides roughly $250,000 a year in PILT but agreed to ask for clarification and to request an abatement if appropriate.
A member moved that the board accept the special-use permit and authorize the town manager to sign it; the board approved the motion by voice vote. The board also directed staff to check with the Forest Service about the land-use fee and whether abatement is appropriate, and to report back at a future meeting.
