Select Board waives tax‑deed for 26 Silver Hill Park after discussion of tenant and condition

After reviewing the history of delinquent taxes on 26 Silver Hill Park, the Select Board voted Aug. 10 to waive deeding the property this year and to gather more information before pursuing future action.

Staff (S3) explained the property has roughly $26,000 in total back taxes historically but only around $3,000 was eligible for tax‑deed application in the current cycle under the town’s rolling look‑back. The property is tenant‑occupied; staff and board members noted uncertainty about the condition of the building and the responsibilities the town would assume if it became a landlord.

Board members weighed the trade‑offs: deeding the property now would give the town title but would also create landlord responsibilities and potential additional costs; waiving would leave the door open to revisit the issue next year when the outstanding balance could be larger. The board voted to waive the deed for this year, and staff offered to assemble additional records (building permits, condition reports) for future consideration.

The motion recorded in the meeting minutes was to waive deeding 26 Silver Hill Park this year; the vote carried by voice vote.