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Board keeps certified-letter process for tax/dog delinquencies after debate on small-dollar thresholds
Summary
Treasurer reported progress reducing unlicensed dogs from about 190 to 167, and the board discussed tax-delinquency procedures including whether to avoid certified letters for small balances. Treasurer explained statutory steps and the board agreed to maintain the certified-letter sequence to preserve legal authority for tax deeding while exploring low-cost reminder options.
The Treasurer updated the Select Board that outreach reduced the number of unlicensed dogs from about 190 to 167 and asked the board to sign the warrant authorizing follow-up collection. The Treasurer explained the process for charging a $25 forfeiture and subsequent steps if owners do not comply.
The board then debated whether the town should stop sending certified letters for very small delinquent tax amounts (a suggested $75 threshold). Treasurer explained state procedures: first a delinquency letter is sent, and only after that is a certified letter required to preserve the town's legal footing for possible tax-deeding. The Clerk and Treasurer cautioned that skipping the certified step risks losing legal ground; the board agreed to keep the standard procedures but discuss customer-service alternatives (for example, sending a regular reminder for small balances) to avoid undue cost to residents.
