Peacham residents will see a significant jump in their education tax rates this year, the Selectboard learned at its July 1 meeting. Town Clerk Rebecca Washington reported a 12.27% increase on the homestead rate and an 18.62% increase on the non-homestead rate. The new rates are 2.1716 for homestead properties and 2.1102 for non-homestead properties.
The municipal tax rate has not been set yet, but Washington said the Grand List should be finalized soon, allowing the board to set the full rate and begin billing. She also noted the town has borrowed $325,000 in short-term financing, within the $500,000 limit, a routine step to manage cash flow. The former Working Capital Fund has been renamed the Unrestricted Fund, and a new numbering system for restricted funds has been implemented.
Fire Chief Jeff Berwick informed the board that, under state Act 162, the fire chief now automatically serves as fire warden, removing that appointment from the board. The board affirmed Berwick's appointments of Deputy Fire Wardens Robert Starbuck and Mark Simakaski.
Road Foreman Jeremy Withers reported that Robco Steel Fabricators is working on the Mill Trace Bridge, with a wooden deck to be ordered. The bridge is expected to reopen by the end of summer. Recent rain has caused some washouts, but crews continue ditching, culvert replacement, and road grading.
The Town Hall renovation hit a snag when contractor Groton Timberworks folded. Washington presented a new plan for timber supply and installation. A separate keying issue is also being addressed.
A dispute over cemetery mowing with Groton arose. Board member William Kempton said Groton believes it is Peacham's turn to mow the Groton Cemetery, but Peacham paid for it last year. The board will manage this year's mowing, possibly with volunteers, while Kempton raises the issue at Groton's next cemetery board meeting. The sexton cannot sell plots in one section until records are reconciled, so another row is being offered.
Plans for a library-sponsored 5K race called "Book It" on Oct. 3 were presented. The board supports the event contingent on meeting insurance requirements and acceptable use of town space. Washington will draft a model agreement.
Originally reported by North Star Monthly.
Photo: Magicpiano (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0). Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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