Board of Selectmen Town Meetings

BOS Meeting Notes November 10, 2014

Document for Civic News:  RyeBOSrclNotes111014revBfinal

  1. The Town tax rate for 2014 has been set at $3.68, compared to $3.12 in 2014, an increase of nearly 18 percent.  The overall tax rate (exclusive of districts) is up from $10.97 to $11.55, nearly all of which is due to the Town tax rate increase.  More Detail
  2. Town acquisition (for $1.25 million) of the back portion of the former Rand Lumber parcel was approved by the Conservation Commission and the Selectmen.  Town residents challenged the absence of an independent appraisal, raised the possibility of hazardous waste being present, and emphasized the shortcomings in the developer-obtained appraisal (based on the value of a hypothetical 16 lot development). More Detail
  3. CIP Plan issues were discussed.  The Rye Water District and Village Districts would remain in the plan, but be broken out.  Selectman Musselman expressed concern that debt with the Town Hall project would reach the previous high, even before considering other large projects slotted for 2016 and 2017.  Click Here for RCL Budget Presentation pointing this out.  Selectman Musselman pushed the CIP Committee to winnow the projects down from a “wish list” to a prioritized list based on affordability and whether the project fits into the Town’s financing structure.  Click Here for RCL survey pointing out resident interest in such rationalization.  More Detail
  4. The parking study commissioned by the Town was presented by the consultant.  Revenues of $400,000 annually are projected from the installation of parking meters.  The consultant recommends striping of parking spaces whether or not meters are installed.  Remote parking with shuttle buses should be considered as a last resort, according to the consultant.  More Detail