Affordability, taxes emerge as likely hook, but members caution against promising tax fixes

Affordability and property taxes surfaced repeatedly as motivating issues the task force could use to prompt public participation. Fran argued that to get attention the committee should address "how do we stabilize property taxes and affordability in Lebanon, New Hampshire," framing it as a core charge for the strategic planning work.

Other members pushed back on promising a tax outcome. One member cautioned, "I'm not sure that it's reasonable to pitch the idea that if we develop this strategic plan, that the end result is going to be a stabilization" of property taxes, and emphasized providing residents with data on trade-offs so feedback is informed rather than a wish list. The committee agreed the outreach should surface priorities (including affordability) but avoid implying the strategic plan alone will set or guarantee tax rates.