Select Board authorizes delinquency letters after finance staff flags $206,000 shortfall

Acting finance staff told the Townshend Select Board that the town is under‑collecting current‑year taxes by $206,000 and that the shortfall is beginning to affect the general fund and highway account. Staff said NEMREC is supporting bill pay and payroll during the treasurer vacancy but flagged the under‑collection as a material risk as fiscal year 26 closes.

Board members discussed options including sending a reminder letter about interest and late payments before the May 1 date. The acting finance officer noted previous mailings and cautioned that the response to another mailing might not cover postage costs, but members asked staff to compile more detail and to report back. The board then voted to authorize Nick to send letters to current‑year delinquents on May 1.

The acting finance staff explained that if underpayments remain uncollected until after the fiscal year, receipts would post to fiscal year 27 and not help fiscal year 26 results. Members asked for a breakdown of the under‑collection and for specific numbers on delinquents and costs so the board can evaluate whether an earlier mailing is cost‑effective. The board set follow‑up work and agreed to revisit the issue with more refined figures.