NH Private Road Taxpayers Alliance

[Woody38]

When we lived on Cape Cod the town plowed our streets and we lived on a private road. Also private roads were really only private if stated so and there was deterrence from others to come onto the roads. At one time we did have gate houses but no person in there.

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I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic.

[TiltonBB]

Taxes are calculated based on the value of the property. If you put the same mainland house on an island it would be valued less and taxed at a lower amount so in effect you are already getting a discount for the lack of town services.

Without factual data to back it up I would think that someone purchasing on a private road where they have exposure to the costs of plowing roads and maintaining pavement might pay less for that property. Therefor the taxes would be lower.

As soon as you attempt to pick and choose (no kids in school, private road, don't use the town recycle center for trash Etc.) everyone will want a discount for what they think they pay for but don't use. The whole system will break down.

If this legislation is successful watch how many copycat bills get submitted by people with their own idea of what they don't get.

[The Real BigGuy]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Taxes are calculated based on the value of the property. If you put the same mainland house on an island it would be valued less and taxed at a lower amount so in effect you are already getting a discount for the lack of town.

TiltonBB, I beg to differ. I have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, in heated, uninsulated island cottage valued at $600,000. On the mainland, I don’t think it would bring anywhere near that. I’m not seeing a discount, in fact I’m paying a premium to fund schools, roads, fire & police protection for mainlanders.

With regards to a road maintenance rebate; HOAs may not use the town to plow their roads but they use public roads to access the HOA, shop, etc. how do you calculate the tax rebate? Everyone must have a GPS tracker to monitor usage? Tracking vs Live Free or die!! Hmmm who do you think wins?



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[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

TiltonBB, I beg to differ. I have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, in heated, uninsulated island cottage valued at $600,000. On the mainland, I don’t think it would bring anywhere near that. I’m not seeing a discount, in fact I’m paying a premium to fund schools, roads, fire & police protection for mainlanders.


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Hi RBG--having bought on the mainland waterfront just a few years ago, I am virtually certain that island waterfront is significantly less expensive than mainland waterfront on an apples to apples basis.

OK, your modest structure at $600K seems steep in a vacuum. But don't they show assessed land value and assessed structure value separately? You might compare your assessed land value to comparable plots on the mainland, or ask your assessor's office to do the same.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by The Real BigGuy

TiltonBB, I beg to differ. I have a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, in heated, uninsulated island cottage valued at $600,000. On the mainland, I don’t think it would bring anywhere near that. I’m not seeing a discount, in fact I’m paying a premium to fund schools, roads, fire & police protection for mainlanders.

With regards to a road maintenance rebate; HOAs may not use the town to plow their roads but they use public roads to access the HOA, shop, etc. how do you calculate the tax rebate? Everyone must have a GPS tracker to monitor usage? Tracking vs Live Free or die!! Hmmm who do you think wins?

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If you feel that your property is over valued by the town have you filed for an abatement?

I had that issue in Gilford and brought them several comps from their website and they reduced my assessment. Remember, the assessment is done by humans that make mistakes!

[Mr. V]

Seems to me that a private road isn't much different than a driveway, albeit a sometimes long driveway shared with other owners.

The city won't plow a private driveway either, will they?

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Taxes are calculated based on the value of the property. If you put the same mainland house on an island it would be valued less and taxed at a lower amount so in effect you are already getting a discount for the lack of town services.

Without factual data to back it up I would think that someone purchasing on a private road where they have exposure to the costs of plowing roads and maintaining pavement might pay less for that property. Therefor the taxes would be lower.

As soon as you attempt to pick and choose (no kids in school, private road, don't use the town recycle center for trash Etc.) everyone will want a discount for what they think they pay for but don't use. The whole system will break down.

If this legislation is successful watch how many copycat bills get submitted by people with their own idea of what they don't get.

If I remember correctly this type of tax evaluation was active before the state took over tax evaluation in the 80's due to the education funding mess. We were on a dirt road not service in the winter in Gilford. We spent winters in Laconia. We payed the full rate in Laconia, but Gilford gave us a reduced seasonal rate. Along came the state and declared seasonal rate illegal. The property been with the family since 1892. We ended up selling in the 90's because of ridiculous property tax. Can you imagine seeing a 600% increase in property tax in a decade? At least taxes went down in Gilford for those who do not live on the lake.