Category: Uncategorized

By Muriel Bristol | March 17, 2019

Milton had the second part of its annual School District election (the first being the Deliberative Session), on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

Only about one-third (32.4%) of the electorate chose to participate: 1047 / 3232 = 32.4%.

These results come from photographs of vote totals, which do not seem to be posted on the Town or School District websites.

The School District Clerk is pushing a recount: “I will be available at the Town Hall Friday (tomorrow) and Tuesday 3p-5p for anyone requesting a School District Recount” and “Yes, 10 signatures on an official recount request. Must be a registered voter, with a fee of $10.” Presumably, because you did not vote “correctly.” Come on, people, get in line.

School District offices appear first, followed by School District Warrant Articles. (Both are listed in the order of the percentages of votes received).

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School District Offices (in Descending Order by Percentages Received)

School District Moderator – One for One Year

Chris Jacobs won the seat with 840 (80.2%) votes. He ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 3 (0.3%) votes. (He is also the incumbent Town Moderator).

School District Clerk – One for One Year

Tammy J. Crandall won the seat with 824 (78.7%) votes. She ran unopposed. “Scattering” had 4 (0.4%) votes.

School District Treasurer – One for One Year

Mackenzie Campbell won the seat with 815 (77.8%) votes. He ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 6 (0.6%) votes. (He received 836 (79.8%) in his unopposed race for Town Treasurer).

School Board Member – Two for Three Years

Emily Meehan won a seat with 548 (52.3%) votes. Melissa J. Brown won a seat with 455 (43.5%) votes.

Carter Wentworth Terry received 342 (32.7%) votes. “Scattering” received 309 (29.5%) votes. (“Scattering” included the write-in candidate, Alfred Goodwin).

See also Wintry Mix – School Board Candidates

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School District Warrant Articles (in Descending Order by Percentages Received)

Article 5: School Plow Truck – Rejected – 275 (26.3%) in favor, 694 (66.3%) opposed, and 78 (7.4%) neither

Article 6: School Transportation Caravan – Rejected – 350 (33.4%) in favor, 615 (58.7%) opposed, and 82 (7.8%) neither

Article 11: Extension of School Moderator, Clerk, and Treasurer Terms to Three Years – Passed – 593 (56.6%) in favor, 366 (35.0%) opposed, and 88 (8.4%) neither

Article 9: Utilities Trust Fund – Rejected – 378 (36.1%) in favor, 587 (56.1%) opposed, and 82 (7.8%) neither

Article 10: Technology Expendable Trust Fund – Rejected – 379 (36.2%) in favor, 579 (55.3%) opposed, and 89 (8.5%) neither

Article 8: Building Maintenance Fund – Passed – 576 (55.0%) in favor, 375 (35.8%) opposed, and 96 (9.2%) neither

Article 4: Library Media – Passed – 561 (53.6%) in favor, 415 (39.6%) opposed, and 71 (6.8%) neither

Article 3: Salary Increases – Rejected – 445 (42.5%) in favor, 536 (51.2%) opposed, and 66 (6.3%) neither

Article 2: Operating Budget – Rejected – 448 (42.8%) in favor, 525 (50.1%) opposed, and 74 (7.1%) neither

Article 7: Educationally Disabled Children Trust Fund – Rejected – 481 (45.9%) in favor, 484 (46.2%) opposed, and 82 (7.8%) neither

[Editors note: “Errors excepted”].

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See School District Election Results for March 10, 2020 and School District Election Results for March 9, 2021. (See also Town Election Results for March 12, 2019)

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References:

Our Milton Home Facebook Group. (2019, March 12) John Gagner Post. Retrieved from www.facebook.com/groups/OurMiltonHome/permalink/2139977946096492/

By Muriel Bristol | March 15, 2019

The Milton Board of Selectmen (BOS) have posted their agenda for a BOS meeting to be held Monday, March 18.

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This meeting is scheduled to begin with a Non-Public session beginning at 5:30 PM. That agenda has two Non-Public items classed as 91-A:3 II (a) and 91-A3 II (b).

91-A:3 II (a) The dismissal, promotion, or compensation of any public employee or the disciplining of such employee, or the investigation of any charges against him or her, unless the employee affected (1) has a right to a meeting and (2) requests that the meeting be open, in which case the request shall be granted.

91-A:3 II (b) The hiring of any person as a public employee.

A new Town year begins with a secret meeting, about raises and hiring. It is like they cannot help themselves. It does beg a question: legally, can Selectman-elect Rawson participate in this prior to being sworn?

The BOS intend to adjourn their Non-Public BOS session at approximately (*) 6:00 PM, when they intend to return to Public session.

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The Public portion of the agenda has New Business, Old Business, and some housekeeping items.

Under New Business are scheduled twelve agenda items: 1) Swearing in Newly Elected Officials, Board and Committee Members, 2) Re-Organization of Board of Selectmen, 3) Board of Selectmen Committee/Board Assignments: a. Budget Committee b. Planning Board c. Zoning Board of Adjustment d. Economic Development Committee e. Recreation Commission f. School Board, 4) Board of Selectmen By-Law Discussion, 5) Board of Selectmen Recording Clerk Contractual Agreement Approval (Danielle Marique), 6) 2019 Town Election Results Discussion, 7) Request Approval of Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Abatement, 1 of 2 (M. Beauchamp), 8) Request Approval of Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Abatement, 2 of 2 (M. Beauchamp), 9) Durgin Fund Reimbursement for Veterans’ Park Project (Michelle Beauchamp), 10) Approval of Payment to JS Marine & Vinyl Works (Richard Krauss), 11) Town Ordinance Exception Request (David Paey), and 12) Discussion With Atlantic Broadband Representative Re.: Franchise Renewal (Dave Owen).

Agenda Item #12 has a fixed time of 6:30 PM. The other items will “flow” around this fixed time.

Swearing in Newly Elected Officials, Board and Committee Members; Re-Organization of Board of Selectmen; Board of Selectmen Committee/Board Assignments: a. Budget Committee, b. Planning Board, c. Zoning Board of Adjustment, d. Economic Development Committee, e. Recreation Commission, and f. School Board. All of the newly-elected officials are to be sworn; the BOS will identify their Chairman (or Chairwoman) and Vice-Chairman (or Vice-Chairwoman); and they will decide which selectman or selectwoman will sit on which Town committee.

As there are six committees and three selectmen, an even division would be two committees per selectman. Last year, Selectman Lucier hung back and took only one, while Vice-Chairwoman Hutchings picked up his slack.

Board of Selectmen By-Law Discussion. Will they continue Selectman Thibeault’s meeting by-laws?

Board of Selectmen Recording Clerk Contractual Agreement Approval (Danielle Marique). Renewal of the Recording Clerk’s contract.

2019 Town Election Results Discussion. The Town budget was rejected, 614 (61.6%) to 382 (38.4%). None of last year’s selectmen voted like the (nearly two-thirds) majority of the voters that rejected the increased Town budget. The BOS served again in their accustomed role as rubber stamps for more increases. Might this discussion include their apology, accompanied by a promise to better represent the taxpayers’ interests in the future? We shall see. Wonders never cease.

Request Approval of Motor Vehicle Registration Fees Abatement. Times two. When last this occurred it was an adjustment for a vehicle no longer owned.

Durgin Fund Reimbursement for Veterans’ Park Project. The Ira S. Knox Fund (AKA the Durgin Fund).

Approval of Payment to JS Marine & Vinyl Works. Although the States of New Hampshire and Maine have sole jurisdiction on the ponds, the Milton Police Navy feels a need to be a “presence” there. When last seen, Chief Krauss wanted $40,000 for a “patrol truck” capable of towing their boat. At that time, he mentioned that their boat had been damaged by the ice.

Town Ordinance Exception Request. On February 20, the Milton Planning Board voted 7-0 to “approve the request to renew the existing excavation permit submitted by David Paey Jr. owner / excavator, property located at 76 Piggot Rd.”

Discussion With Atlantic Broadband Representative Re.: Franchise Renewal. Cable TV is on its way out. (They raise prices like selectmen). One hopes at least that the contract term is a short one, allowing for future developments.

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Under Old Business are scheduled two items: 13) Follow Up Discussion on Town Owned Properties, and 14) Follow Up Discussion on Town Vehicles / Equipment.

Town-Owned Properties. When last seen, the BOS was inching towards auctioning the three-year tax seizures. Chairman Thibeault would not “support” including the “Blue House,” valued at $168,300, in the list. He preferred giving it away to his favorite private organization. Here is his chance for a recount.

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Finally, there will be the approval of prior minutes (from the BOS meeting of March 4, 2019), the expenditure report, Public Comments “Pertaining to Topics Discussed,” Town Administrator comments, and BOS comments.

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Mr. S.D. Plissken contributed to this article.

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References:

NH Magazine. (2016, January). Losing Your Home. Retrieved from www.nhmagazine.com/January-2016/Losing-Your-Home/

State of New Hampshire. (2016, June 21). RSA Chapter 91-A. Access to Governmental Records and Meetings. Retrieved from www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/VI/91-A/91-A-3.htm

Town of Milton. (2018, March 15). BOS Meeting Agenda, March 18, 2019. Retrieved from www.miltonnh-us.com/sites/miltonnh/files/events/3.18.19_bos_agenda.pdf

Youtube. (1965). Cone of Silence. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1eUIK9CihA&feature=youtu.be&t=19

By Muriel Bristol | March 15, 2019

Milton had the second part of its annual Town election (the first being the Deliberative Session), on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

Only about one-third (32.4%) of the electorate chose to participate: 1047 / 3232 = 32.4%.

Town offices appear first, followed by Town Warrant Articles. (Both are listed in the order of the percentages of votes received).

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Town Offices (in Descending Order by Percentages Received)

Town Clerk / Tax Collector – One for Three Years

Michelle Beauchamp won the seat with 903 (86.2%) votes. She ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 6 (0.6%) votes.

Library Trustee – One for Three Years

Miranda Myhre won the seat with 844 (80.6%) votes. She ran unopposed. “Scattering” had 2 (0.2%) votes.

Cemetery Trustee – One for Three Years

Bruce W. Woodruff won the seat with 840 (80.2%) votes. He ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 7 (0.8%) votes.

Treasurer – One for One Year

Mackenzie Campbell won the seat with 836 (79.8%) votes. He ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 11 (1.1%) votes.

Trustee of the Trust Funds – One for Three Years

Brittney Leach won the seat with 814 (77.7%) votes. She ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 2 (2.0%) votes.

Planning Board – Two for Three Years

Joseph A. Michaud won a seat with 791 (75.5%) votes. He ran unopposed. Nick Philbrick won a seat with 20 (2.0%) write-in votes.

Budget Committee – Two for Three Years

Thomas McDougall won a seat with 700 (66.9%) votes. Humphry Williams won a seat with 575 (54.9%) votes. They ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 45 (4.3%) votes.

See also Wintry Mix – Budget Committee and Meet Mr. Williams

Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) – Two for Three Years

James M. “Mike” Beaulieu won a seat with 646 (61.7%) votes. Sean Skillings won a seat with 618 (50.0%) votes. They ran unopposed. “Scattering” received 16 (1.5%) votes.

Fire Chief – One for Three Years

Nicholas Marique won the seat with 630 (60.2%) votes. Stephen D. Duchesneau received 396 (37.8%) votes. Neither of the above received 21 (2.0%) votes.

See also Wintry Mix – Fire Chief

Board of Selectmen – One for Three Years

A total of 963 votes were cast for the five candidates for the single three-year seat on the Board of Selectmen.

Andrew “Andy” Rawson won the seat with 311  (33.9%) votes. (That would be 9.6% of the total electorate).

Laurence D. “Larry” Brown received 250 (23.9%) votes, Billy Walden received 223 (21.3%) votes, Adam G. Sturtevant received 104 (9.9%) votes, None of the above had 84 (8.0%) votes, James M. “Mike” Beaulieu received 72 (6.9%) votes, and “Scattering” had 3 (0.3%) votes.

See also Wintry Mix – Board of Selectmen

Budget Committee – One for One Year

Dennis Woods won the seat with 154 (14.7%) votes. That would be 56.6% of the 272 write-in votes.

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Town Warrant Articles (in Descending Order by Percentages Received)

Article 15: Eradicate Invasive Species – Passed – 740 (70.7%) in favor, 275 (26.3%) opposed, and 32 (3.1%) neither

Article 17: Milton Cemetery Expendable Trust Fund – Passed – 715 (68.3%) in favor, 248 (23.7%) opposed, and 84 (8.0%) neither

Article 18: Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive RSA 79-E – Passed – 673 (64.3%) in favor, 286 (27.3%) opposed, and 88 (8.4%) neither

Article 2: Amend Zoning Map – Passed – 632 (60.4%) in favor, 408 (39.0%) opposed, and 7 (0.6%) neither

Article 14: Bridge Capital Reserve Fund – Passed – 626 (59.8%) in favor, 379 (36.2%) opposed, and 42 (4.0%) neither

Article 5: Operating Budget – Rejected – 382 (36.5%) in favor, 614 (58.6%) opposed, 51 (4.9%) neither

Article 3: Zoning – Rejected – 382 (36.5%) in favor, 609 (58.2%) opposed, and 56 (5.3%) neither

Article 6: Highway and Road Reconstruction Fund – Passed – 595 (56.8%) in favor, 406 (38.8%) opposed, and 46 (4.4%) neither

Article 13: Geographic Information System – Passed – 583 (55.7%) in favor, 419 (40.0%) opposed, and 45 (4.3%) neither

Article 16: Conservation Commission Casey Road Fund – Passed – 576 (55.0%) in favor, 431 (41.2%) opposed, and 40 (3.8%) neither

Article 11: Milton Free Public Library Capital Reserve Fund – Passed – 576 (55.0%) in favor, 429 (41.0%) opposed, and 42 (4.0%) neither

Article 7: Fire Department Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund – Passed – 551 (52.6%) in favor, 455 (43.5%) opposed, and 41 (3.9%) neither

Article 12: Town of Milton Technology Fund – Passed – 549 (52.4%) in favor, 452 (43.2%) opposed, and 46 (4.4%) neither

Article 19: Town Boat Ramp Revitalization and Construction (Submitted by Petition) – Rejected – 412 (39.4%) in favor, 546 (52.1%) opposed, and 89 (8.5%) neither

Article 4: Zoning – Passed – 546 (52.1%) in favor, 428 (40.9%) opposed, and 73 (7.0%) neither

Article 8: Highway Department Special Equipment Capital Reserve Fund – Passed – 539 (51.5%) in favor, 455 (43.5%) opposed, and 53 (5.0%) neither

Article 9: Highway Department Capital Reserve Vehicle Fund – Passed – 513 (49.0%) in favor, 495 (47.3%) opposed, and 39 (3.7%) neither

Article 10: Municipal Buildings Capital Reserve Fund – Rejected – 497 (47.5%) in favor, 500 (47.8%) opposed, and 50 (4.8%) neither

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See Town Election Results for March 10, 2020 and Town Election Results for March 9, 2021. (See also School District Election Results for March 12, 2019)

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References:

Milton Town Clerk. (2019, March 14) March 12, 2019 Town Election Results. Retrieved from www.miltonnh-us.com/sites/miltonnh/files/news/march_12_2019_town_results.pdf

By S.D. Plissken | March 10, 2019

The Milton Meet the Candidates night went forward as planned. The winter storm had largely dissipated by late afternoon. High winds followed.

As for the presentations, they were … interesting.

Continued from Wintry Mix – Fire Chief

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New Hampshire’s Daniel Webster (he of the Daniel Webster Highway) observed that

There are men, in all ages, who mean to exercise power usefully; but who mean to exercise it. They mean to govern well; but they mean to govern. They promise to be kind masters; but they mean to be masters.

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Candidates for Selectman – Five for One Three-Year Position

The five candidates for the single three-year seat on Milton’s Board of Selectmen are James M. Beaulieu, Larry Brown, Andrew Rawson, Adam G. Sturtevant, and Billy Walden.

Messrs. Beaulieu and Rawson

Former selectmen Beaulieu and Rawson did not appear at the Meet the Candidates Night event.

Mr. Dennis Woods, a write-in candidate for the one-year slot on the Budget Committee, asked this question on the Milton, NH Community News Facebook page:

Why would we re-elect [former] Selectmen that are, at least in part, responsible for current conditions?

That is a good question, Mr. Woods. These are the very men, along with current Chairman Thibeault, that created the 2017-18 valuation fiasco. (Mr. Beaulieu’s responsibility, if any, is not as clear as Mr. Rawson’s).

Now, it might be, just possibly, that they have seen the error of their ways since and wish to repair, to the extent possible, all of the damage that they have done?

Mr. James M. “Mike” Beaulieu has not explained his absence from the Meet the Candidates Night event, nor has he issued any statement as a substitute. It is rumored that he might favor cutting taxes, but that is perhaps an uncertain foundation on which to build the necessary reforms.

He is said to be available by phone to answer any questions. (I will not give the number here because … the internet). At any rate, Mr. Beaulieu’s “retail” campaign strategy does not suggest someone running seriously to win. (He is engaged also in an uncontested race for a seat on the ZBA).

Mr. Andrew “Andy” Rawson explained in a statement that he was away on a vacation that he had planned for two years. Okay. The remainder of his statement does not suggest that he has learned anything at all since he was turned out of office last year (by current Vice-Chairwoman Erin Hutchings with a very narrow margin).

Mr. Rawson arranged for a statement to be handed out, which the moderator read into the record. It did not address any tax reduction, as such, except to provide the usual formulation about being “careful” when spending tax money. Translation: he would not be cutting taxes. Former Selectman Long, who completed Mr. Beaulieu’s last term, used his question time to instead make an endorsement of Mr. Rawson.

The Question

Messrs. Brown, Sturtevant, and Walden all appeared at the Meet the Candidates Night event.

No one in the audience asked The Question, as such, although they were restive. Mr. Bailey asked something similar of his own.

Moderator Jacobs: Alright, next question. Anyone. Sir.

Glen Bailey: I was just wondering … a couple of people behind me asked, “was there a limit to all this … this taxation?” I was a little disappointed … this is the School Board, obviously … I was a little disappointed that they didn’t seem to think there was. Or they were confused, one or the other. So, the same question for you – which of you, or maybe all of you, is going to cut my taxes? Not cut the rate of increase, not everything else on the planet. Who is going to cut the bottom line of my taxes?

Moderator Jacobs put in his oar to argue for the status quo of increasing taxes. (You will want remember to thank him at his next election). He asked Mr. Bailey the “muh services” question.

Jacobs: Can I ask a counter question? I one time thought we could just shut down the transfer station and send everybody to Rochester – when I was a selectman – close out the fire department and just go to Rochester; close the ambulance service and ask Rochester, Frisbee, to come up here; and contract out with somebody to plow the roads.

Bailey: Don’t forget the police.

Jacobs: It meant a huge level of service decrease. Is that acceptable?

Bailey: It’s not acceptable to keep raising the taxes to the point that you’re driving people out of town.

Audience member: That’s happening a lot.

Bailey: It’s not acceptable, so something has to go. So, which of you will cut my taxes?

Thank you, Mr. Bailey, for helping us cut the … get to the point.

Messrs. Brown and Sturtevant

Messrs. Brown, Sturtevant, and Walden were present and answered questions. Our interest here is in whether the candidate would work to reduce taxes.

Mr. Adam G. Sturtevant went first. He spoke of efficiencies of scale, return on investment (as well as its acronym ROI), brick and mortar, “muh services,” etc. When prodded, he offered this final answer:

… I’d be lying if I said I’d be cutting your taxes without seeing the full budget and knowing what you’d be getting. So, the answer is I would cut it if it was possible, but I don’t know that answer.

Mr. Laurence D. “Larry” Brown went third. He used his time, but did not need to be prodded for his conclusion. His final answer:

… I’ll say it straight: I don’t think I can reduce your taxes in any substantial fashion. The structure of Town government, the structure of the School system, the structure of New Hampshire State tax system preferences are stacked against the lower income property owner in New Hampshire.

Mr. Billy Walden

Mr. Billy Walden went second. His final answer:

[Regarding Milton Town taxation as an “existential threat”:]. Yes, it is. You hear a lot of people say that. Older folks. I don’t want to be eating cat food. But the way the Town is going right now, with the tax increases and things like that, that’s where it’s headed. I am going to do whatever I can, within my capacity, to lower taxes. I mean, that’s the goal. It really is a sinking ship when you look at the amount of people that are trying to possibly move out of Town or find a better place with a lower tax rate. What I really want to do is try to grab a bucket and bail some of the water out of the ship. That’s really my goal. And whatever I need to do to make that happen, that’s what I’m going to do. Within my capacity, because I’m one of three.

The Answer to The Question

Of all the five candidates only Mr. BILLY WALDEN committed himself to work, vote and act to reduce Milton’s oppressive taxation.

He purports to be not another George. It might be that we will get to see.

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See also Wintry Mix – School Board Candidates, Wintry Mix – Budget Committee, and Wintry Mix – Fire Chief.

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References:

Town of Milton. (2019). Meet the Candidates Night. Retrieved from youtu.be/nOmRUcqTf08?t=6803

By S.D. Plissken | March 8, 2019

The Properties

According to the Town’s Avitar listings, the Plummer’s Ridge Schoolhouse No. 1 property at 1116 White Mountain Highway is valued at $89,600. That includes $29,800 for 0.18 acres of land, $59,000 for the Schoolhouse itself, and $800 for its 10’x15′ wooden shed.

The “Blue House” property across the street at 1121 White Mountain Highway is valued at $168,300. That includes $40,400 for 2.64 acres of land, $124,200 for the house itself, and $3,700 for its “features” ($749 for its 18’x20′ wooden shed and $3,000 for its Fireplace 1-Stand). (I know the features do not add up).

Now, we all know that Town valuations are questionable at best. Few will ever realize the inflated bubble prices that the Town asserts for tax purposes. But, for the sake of argument, let us suppose their valuations are accurate.

The Proposal

Board of Selectmen (BOS) Chairman Thibeault proposed “selling” both properties – valued together at $257,900 – to the Milton Historical Society (MHS), on whose board he sits, for $2. The whole BOS was on the verge of rubber-stamping this proposal as a Warrant Article on this year’s ballot.

It so happens that BOS Chairman Thibeault and the MHS’s own Vice-Chairman Thibeault are the very same person; just as BOS Vice-Chairwoman Hutchings is a member of that same society. Outgoing Selectman Lucier has never announced his affiliation, if any there be, with the MHS.

A Question

An audience member asked if the BOS were not concerned with the apparent conflict of interest: BOS members arranging to virtually “give” away “Town-Owned” property to a private society in which they have an interest.

Mr. Larry Brown, helpful as always, pointed out that it was for the board alone to decide if they had a conflict of interest. According to Mr. Brown, it would not be a conflict of interest if they received no money and did not hold paid positions with the society.

The audience member pointed out that money need not be the only consideration. Which is why legal boilerplate is often included in real estate deeds that mentions also “other valuable considerations.” Thank you, Mr. Brown. (You have an opportunity of thanking him yourself, if you wish: he is a currently a candidate for a seat on that same Board of Selectmen).

That proposed Warrant Article did not go forward. Vice-Chairwoman Hutchings and Selectman Lucier apparently saw the problem and voted “nay” in a rare 2-1 split. (Chairman Thibeault dug in his heels).

Nobody with a lick of sense supposes that the Town will ever realize anything like its fantasy valuation of $257,900 for the two properties at an auction. The “Blue House” was seriously overvalued. (Its original Corcoran valuation of $208,600 dropped by 19.3% to $168,300). It has developed serious problems since. But those are the absurd values that the Town claimed as being valid when it was busy over-assessing, overtaxing, charging penalties and interest (I have heard 18%, like some kind of insane credit card), and finally seizing the property.

Even so, the Town will likely realize much more than the $2 that Chairman Thibeault was proposing – the difference being at least some tens of thousands of dollars. And that difference – four orders of magnitude – belongs to the taxpayers.

So, “No” Means “Yes” Now?

At this most recent BOS meeting, that of March 4, 2019, the BOS, Town Administrator, and Town Assessor went around in circles again on “Town-Owned” properties. (They seem to enjoy covering always the same ground).

There are three-year properties, for which the dispossessed owner will get nothing at all; less than three-year properties, for which the dispossessed owner might get some residue; as well as phantom properties, slivers, old fire stations, gifts versus seizures, etc., etc.

Chairman Thibeault: I think the ones that we’ve had for three years were all set to go for auction. The only one that I would not support selling was the 1121 White Mountain Highway … until there’s further discussion with the Historical Society and what that could potentially become … but other than that, all the three-year ones?

Well, we knew the Chairman never “supported” selling that one – at a market price – because he wanted to give it away to his other board. He lost that vote. Even the other selectmen could see that it was a “questionable” proposition, but the erstwhile Chairman just can not give it up.

Not Yours to Give

Thanks to these same selectmen, there are fewer saved dollars – less actual capital – going spare in Milton these days.

Whether fairly or foully obtained – these “Town-owned” properties belong now to the taxpayers. The BOS has no right to give away taxpayer properties – valued together at over a quarter-million dollars ($257,900) – to Chairman Thibeault’s buddies at the Milton Historical Society for a measly $2. For philanthropically-minded selectmen: these properties are just not yours to give.

If the Milton Historical Society wants to pony up the $257,900 right now, or even bid some much smaller amount at a “tax-title” auction, they can make it happen. The BOS can set the auction date and the society can start its fundraiser.

Or the Chairman, who feels that the taxpayers just cannot give enough, can prove the strength of his own “support.” He can take out another mortgage on his own home, buy the properties in question, and donate them to the Historical Society himself.

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References:

Lilley, Floy. (2012). Not Yours to Give | Davy Crockett. Retrieved from www.youtube.com/watch?v=daay8yvgsGM

Town of Milton. (2019, March 4). BOS Meeting, March 4, 2019. Retrieved from youtu.be/-io2f380xjE?t=3478