[Lakegeezer]

There are several summer camps in Moultonborough and even with their discount on taxes, the overall property tax rate is quite low. It makes sense to keep it this way. If higher taxes drove camps to sell out to developers, and assuming a recovered economy, the increased housing density would raise costs to the town, possibly by a lot more than the tax relief the town is granting today. Also, camps add to the character of the town and leaves a lot of land seemingly unused during the off-seasons.

As for NH tax load, if I look at the 30+ income earning years where I haven't had to pay 5% or more of my income to the state, along with the taxes I've saved on major purchases, it has been a huge bargain. Also, as a tax haven, NH attracts highly productive people, which raises the quality of life for all. Imagine the impact of a brain drain over a decade or two if there was no NH tax advantage. The no-income tax pledge is still relevant as we enter this gubernatorial season.

The real challenge comes to those who retire here. Then, taxes are collected on a retirement portfolio's dividends and interest. Still, if the tax savings are invested during income producing years, it all sort of washes out in the end.