Monday, November 9, 2015 at 1:55PM This morning the Orange Selectboard met to set the tax rate for 2016 at $20.43 per thousand dollars of your evaluated property. That's a lower rate than last year; but many of us saw our property assessed at a higher value. So, to see what you'll pay, do the math.
Total: $20.43
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 2:37PM Rosemary Haness reports that the Cardigan Mountain Arts Association is holding an artisan fair Saturday, November 21; and Sunday, November 22, in the Enfield Community Building. We're talking music, food,demos, a raffle, and, of course, the local artists we know and love. Info: 523-4336.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 10:05AM I (Jay) just talked with Officer O'Toole of the NH State Police. We discussed the several recent break-ins in Orange, and he said to look out for a gray Chevrolet Express van driven by two middle-aged or older men. He gave me permission to post the details.
The van has the lettering "Carpet and Uphostery Cleaning," with "Tile and Grout Cleaning" underneath. The Vermont plates begin with 148A.
It's possible that the van is driving around looking for business; but if you spot it, Officer O'Toole said to call state police: 223-4381.
Break-ins like Orange's tend to happen in clusters he says. "Usually after a month or two, we catch them."
If you have broadband and a couple hundred dollars to spend, check out Nest Cam. It lets you see what's going on over a smartphone or computer, and stores video online. Works in low-light conditions, but needs wifi and an electrical outlet. You can point it out a window or inside. Plus it captures sound, and you can speak over it. Great for mystifying pets.
Monday, November 2, 2015 at 9:39AM On October 18, the Town Select Board met to sign the financial report, MS-5, required by the state--a crucial document that helps set our tax rates. You'll find the minutes here. One excerpt of those minutes is worth putting right into this post:
Dorothy stated that there is significant confusion and concern as to why there was an ending cash-on-hand balance of $94,400.65 for 2014 when historically year-end balances have always been between $175,000 and $225,000. She said this disparity is the primary reason the town is in deficit. She also said there is confusion of why the unassigned fund balance went from a 2014 ending balance of $138,000 to zero dollars. Dorothy said that given these two perplexities, she recommends that the Board approve an external audit to answer these questions. Bob and Skip agreed that an outside audit was warranted.
Dorothy said she received an auditor recommendation from the Hanover Town Manager. The auditor is presently fulfilling the same need for another town. She has emailed the auditor regarding his availability.
Sandi also sent us the minutes of the usual October 14 meeting. You'll find them here.
Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 9:26AM Actually, the company behind the proposed wind turbines says it never left. Judith Lindahl shared this story in the Union Leader.
The project manager for Portugal-based EDP Renewables, Jeffrey Nemeth, told the paper that the company is conducting studies, and that the process could take several years. “We’re looking forward to coming back before the towns, in front of the people of the region at some point in the future,” he said.
The $140 million Spruce Ridge wind project would install 29 500-foot turbines and produce an expected 60 megawatts.