Wilton’s Select Board has scheduled a special town meeting for May 4 to consider a property tax exemption for certain commercial and industrial development that was not included on the March 12 town meeting warrant.
The meeting was announced during a public hearing Monday, April 20, at Town Hall.
Voters will be asked to decide whether to adopt RSA 72:81, which allows municipalities to grant temporary property tax exemptions on new construction and improvements for qualifying commercial and industrial properties, as defined under RSA 72:80. If approved, the exemption would take effect April 1, 2027.
Under the proposed article, the exemption would apply only to municipal and local school taxes, not state education or county taxes. It would be available town-wide, with a duration of up to 10 years and a maximum exemption of 50% of the increase in assessed value resulting from new construction, additions or renovations.
“Following adoption, the duration and percentage of the exemption shall be determined by the governing body on a per-case basis based on the amount and value of public benefit,” it concludes.
The warrant article defines a public benefit as enhanced economic growth and an increase in the town’s tax base, as well as a creation of needed services or facilities not currently available in town. It also classifies redevelopment and revitalization of the town’s commercial or industrial areas and prevention or elimination of blight as public benefits. Retention of jobs and an increase and diversification of the job base also count as such.
“Anything we can do to spread property tax costs out more is good for everyone, so I highly recommend this,” Chair Kermit Williams said.
Residents attending the hearing raised concerns about the article. Matthew Fish from Curtis Farm worried about the implication of the Select Board “picking winners and losers.”
“I understand that we want to attract certain industries and others we don’t, but my main concern is that it’s administered fairly,” he said.
“We’re basing the decision on the public benefit,” Williams said. “We hope that a future select board won’t decide winners and losers, but rather that it meets the public benefit measurement.”
Town Moderator William Keefe wondered why the article wasn’t presented at the March town meeting and recommended putting it off until the one in 2027.
“Why are we dealing with a piece of legislation 38 days later?” he said. “It’s kind of disenfranchising voters.”
Williams said the board had considered adding it to the 2026 warrant but it was too late to make last-minute changes. He also noted an unnamed business may make a partial investment in the town if the article passes.
Economic Development Team Chair Jennifer Beck said waiting to pass the article would put the town at a severe disadvantage.
“It’s not about spending money, it’s about giving a competitive advantage to commercial businesses we want to attract,” she said. “This is to help generate revenue.”
Residents can vote on the article at the special town meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. May 4 in the Town Hall Court Room.