How the Tax Rate Compares

We looked at the tax rates from 2009 through 2015 to see how next year's rate measures up with next year's rate of $20.43 per thousand of evaluated property. Here is the six-year average, with next year's rate in parentheses. The Town portion fluctuates the most widely from year to year.

Bottom line: next year's tax rate is slightly below the six-year average. Of course, the tax you actually pay will be higher if your property valuation increased.

Town: 2.98 (4.45)

School District: 13.61 (11.70)

State Ed: 2.87 (2.74)

County: 1.62 (1.54)

Total: 20.66 (20.43)

The Tax Rate Drops (But Your Tax May Not)

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.

• Municipal: $4.45
• County: $1.54
• Local Schools: $11.70
• State Ed: $2.74

Total: $20.43

Artisan Fair in Enfield

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.

Keep an Eye Out for a Gray Van

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.

Orange Will Be Getting an Audit

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.