Raymond board backs exploring TIF amendment to pay for Jordan Small Middle School needs study

The Raymond Select Board on Aug. 27 directed staff to pursue an amendment to the town's tax-increment financing (TIF) program as a potential funding source for a condition and needs assessment of the Jordan Small Middle School.

Town staff told the board the assessment would be an unbudgeted expense and that a safe planning estimate for the study is about $100,000. Legal counsel noted a 2025 change in state law that 'expanded' what municipalities may use TIF proceeds for, allowing some public facilities outside the district to be funded, but urged caution: 'they essentially expanded that so that towns have a lot lot more leeway in spending TIF funds on public projects outside of the district itself,' Gray said.

Board discussion focused on three amendment approaches: a narrow, project-specific change; a broad grant of authority to fund many public facilities; or a mixed approach. Staff explained the process would require a town act (warrant articles and likely a special town meeting) and subsequent state sign-off from the Department of Economic and Community Development. 'The town needs to act first, and then DECD acts second,' Gray said, describing the two-step approval path and the roughly 3.5-month turnaround experienced on the town's prior amendment.

Several members favored pursuing a broadly worded amendment while keeping requests focused in presentation to the state; others urged a narrower approach and more outreach to DECD before finalizing language. Staff will draft amendment language, incorporate the board's direction to be as broad as is prudent, and return with timing and warrant options for a possible special town meeting.