0:00A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation on the fiscal year 2025 tax classification by town assessor Stephen Casey and regional assessor David Burgers. The most striking development was the 75% increase in personal property tax, attributed to the revaluation of upgraded hydro facilities on the river. This increase is expected to balance out residential tax rates, potentially lowering individual tax bills by an average of $80 to $85. The assessors clarified that while residential property values had risen by 12%, the elevated value of the hydro power property would ease the overall tax burden on residents.

For the fiscal year, Conway’s property tax levy was estimated at $5,941,394.41. Despite this, the proposed tax rate is set to decrease, thanks to the uniform tax rate applied to residential and commercial properties, a strategy rooted in Conway’s limited commercial tax base. The board agreed to maintain the residential factor at 1.0000, pending the Department of Revenue’s certification.

The board also addressed the modernization of agenda posting practices. The proposal to designate the town website as the official posting site for agendas was discussed in detail. This change aims to improve compliance with the 48-hour posting notice required by open meeting law and to offer greater flexibility. While the website would become the official posting location, a physical copy would still be available for those without internet access. The board voted in favor of the transition to electronic posting, recognizing its practicality and environmental benefits.

23:57Attention then shifted to the highway department’s challenges in recruiting qualified personnel due to uncompetitive salaries. The supervisor of the department highlighted the difficulties of attracting CDL holders, with the current starting salary at $27 per hour lagging behind neighboring towns’ offerings. The board discussed budget implications and agreed to raise the starting salary to $32 per hour to enhance recruitment efforts. The decision was seen as a necessary step to ensure the town’s ability to hire and retain skilled workers.

47:51In another important discussion, the Selectboard explored the parameters of a senior and veteran tax work-off program. The conversation focused on setting eligibility criteria, including age and income limits. Suggestions included an age threshold of 65 and asset limits of $40,000 for single applicants and $55,000 for married couples, with home and one vehicle excluded from their assessments. The board deferred voting on these parameters to allow for further deliberation.

Other agenda items included the appointment of Mary K. Costello and Jean Thomas to the Conservation Commission, both receiving unanimous approval. The board also expressed support for a cultural council grant proposal led by Beth Gersman, aimed at exploring the impact of invasive plants on local ecosystems.

An issue of public safety arose with the reading of a letter concerning the closure of Bardwell’s Fairy Bridge. The letter highlighted increased travel times for residents and emergency services. The board acknowledged the urgency of the situation and called for expedited state action on the bridge’s design and construction.