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Selectboard reviews proposal to switch property taxes to two installments; staff says taxpayers won’t face extra charge
Summary
Staff proposed changing property tax collection to two installments (Nov. and March) to reduce taxpayer burden and delinquency; the board discussed mechanics, school tax timing (statutory), and agreed no extra fee would be charged to taxpayers though clerk time may increase.
Town staff presented Article 2 proposing that the treasurer collect real and personal property taxes in two installments (due Nov. 6, 2026 and March 26, 2027), arguing it would ease the annual payment burden, reduce delinquencies, and provide more consistent revenue for Royalton. Staff said similar arrangements in neighboring towns showed lower delinquency and that the town would still send one bill (with two due dates) so taxpayers would not pay an additional fee for splitting payments.
Board members asked how this would affect school taxes and whether splitting town payments would create cash-flow or timing issues for education payments (which statutorily retain a single due date on Dec. 1). Staff and members agreed to confirm mechanics with the school tax department and to prepare clear explanatory materials for voters; staff said the clerk would handle the additional administrative time and no added fee would be charged to taxpayers for the split-payment option.
