If you are going to make an appointment for an appeal, or even to ask questions, about Tuftonboro house values do not wait. You only have four days this week (two are already gone) to call the town and make the appointment. August 25 is the last day to call. Follow the infomation you received in the letter and the tax booklet. You can check the avitar website using the log on instructions in your booklet to find property that is similar to yours. It is not very easy to use, but with patience and hunting and pecking you might find something. one hint is that instead of looking at each segment of the property on the website separately (land, buildings, features, etc) click on the "print card" on the top right of the page and you will see everything about the house on one page.
Like you I am shocked at the increase. This is a township that provides, to the summer resident, only a few services: access to a small library, a summer swim program if you have children of the appropriate age (parks and rec.) and a transfer station (which no longer takes the septic tank waste and charges for many items you might need to get rid of), a small police department (which could be miles away when needed) and a volunteer fire department (which would arrive in time to dampen down the ashes). The amount and level of services in proportion to the amount of taxes due is way out of line with most other localities and states. Add to that no representation and you get to foot the bill for all those who live in New Hampshire and refuse to spread the tax burden by maintaining the government totally on a property tax. The burden will only grow for people without representation (second home owners) as long as the local and state governments follow their voters wishes and thus do not seek other items and services on which to attach a tax.
|