Friday Updates - December 6, 2024

Friday, December 6, 2024

ARE YOU STRUGGLING TO PAY YOUR PROPERTY TAXES? - Information from Durham Town Assessor Darcy Freer

The final tax bill of 2024 was mailed on Friday, November 15. If you are in a situation where you are finding it difficult to pay property taxes, there are programs that have been adopted by the Town of Durham that may be of assistance. These programs are in the form of property tax exemptions, credits, low to moderate income tax relief, and property tax deferrals for the elderly and disabled. We encourage you to reach out to the Durham Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064 or visit the Town of Durham’s Assessing website HERE.

A quick guide to exemptions and credits offered by the Town can be download HERE. Applications are due by April 15, 2025, for the 2025 tax year.

In addition to these credits and exemptions, a property tax deferral can be obtained. These are available to residents who are either over the age of 65 or are receiving social security disability payments and more information can be found by clicking the link to our website above. Applications are due by March 1, 2025, for the deferral of 2024’s taxes.

Additionally, the State of New Hampshire provides property tax relief for low to moderate income homeowners. This relief only applies to the state education portion of the tax rate. Applications are due after May 1, 2025, but no later than June 30, 2025, for relief of 2024’s taxes. Please note this is a form of relief offered by the State not the Town; applications can be filed online at HERE. or by contacting the Department of Revenue Administration at (603) 230-5920.

If you have any questions of the different forms of tax relief available, please contact the Durham Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064.

Per the requirements of the Durham Town Charter, Administrator Selig has presented the Council with a proposed 2025 budget, which includes the General Fund, Water Fund, Sewer (Wastewater) Fund, Library Fund, Parking Fund, Depot Road Lot Fund, Churchill Rink Fund, and Downtown TIF Fund budgets, as well as the Administrator’s proposed 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Plan incorporating the FY 2025 Capital Fund budget utilizing a ten-year time horizon.  

There was a public hearing on the 2025 budgets at the November 18, 2024 Town Council meeting. It included numerous public comments in support of the Wagon Hill Farm Bickford-Chesley House project. There was not feedback about other aspects of the proposed budget.

The twelve-month year-over-year, September to September change in Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) data follows for informational purposes:  

                                                                               2022   2023   2024

CPI-U Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH          8.2%   2.6%   3.4%

In total, this year’s budgetary proposal is projected to increase the 2025 local municipal portion of the tax rate by 45 cents to $6.20 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation, an increase of 7.71%. The 2023 and 2024 tax rate was held level at $5.75 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The tax rate remained at $7.37 (formerly $8.48 but adjusted due to 2018 statistical revaluation update) for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The proposed budget would cost the average Durham property taxpayer with a home valued at $500,000 an additional $225.00 in taxes for 2025 on the municipal portion of the tax rate.  

The proposed Water Fund budget carries an anticipated 2.9% increase in user fees (a rate of $10.92 per hundred cubic feet) for FY 2025.  

The proposed Sewer (Wastewater) Fund budget reflects a 3.4% increase in user fees in FY 2025 (a rate of $10.66 per hundred cubic feet).  

Details associated with the budget can be found within this FY 2025 budget book, the 2025-2034 Capital Improvement Program document, or within a separate informational booklet being prepared by the Business Office that will offer some high-level analysis concerning the proposal for Town Council and community information.  Online links to each of these documents can be found below:

Proposed 2025 Operating Budget HERE.

Proposed 2025 Budget Information Booklet HERE.

Proposed 2025-2034 CIP HERE.

Please note once again that the various departments of the Town brought forward lean budgets this season.

On Sunday, December 15th from 7 to 9 PM in the Council Chambers of Durham's Town Hall, attendees will explore together the part Durham's Major John Sullivan played on Day 2 of a pivotal raid on Fort William and Mary in Portsmouth. Come for the multi-media 'edutainment' and stay for the cake and cocoa.

There will be door prizes!

Sponsored by the Durham Historic District and Heritage Commissions. 

SWAP SHOP CLOSING FOR THE SEASON DECEMBER 14

Durham Public Works and the Swap Shop Volunteers would like to remind residents that the Linda Hollister Swap Shop at the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center will be closing for the season on Saturday, December 14. Bulky items will not be accepted on December 16. The Swap Shop will reopen at a to-be-determined date in Spring 2025.

Did You Know?  Thanksgiving Ideas

The average American throws away 185 pounds of plastic every year. A large amount of that waste occurs between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Too much plastic is needlessly purchased for the holidays. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are some ways to cut down on plastic use over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Put it in the invitation

Don’t expect people to share your goal without any notice.  If you want to cut down or eliminate plastic use, and you are hosting Thanksgiving, make an announcement in advance inviting participation and set the stage for dramatic plastic and waste reduction.

Shop with your goal in mind

Remember that what goes in, goes out when it comes to plastic packaging you bring into your home. If you don’t bring it home, you won’t have to discard it! So, as you shop, pay close attention to the foods you’re buying and the plastic packaging you’re avoiding by buying in bulk with reusable containers as much as possible. See ideas HERE.

BYO Bags

Bringing your own reusable shopping bags cuts down on single use plastic waste in a big way. In addition, if you don’t already have reusable produce bags to use for loose produce items, consider purchasing them. They are inexpensive and will make a substantial difference in throw away plastic consumption. 

Eco Decorating

Decorating with found items in nature, whether it’s roadside wildflowers or autumn leaves, is a lovely way to bring the season into your home. See ideas HERE.

Hide the trash can

Choose to only have labeled bins for recyclables and compost items out during Thanksgiving — no landfill! It’s a pretty good trick to raise awareness and slyly move guests into the direction of reusable and compostable items.

Source: Earth911

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: https://recyclesmartma.org/

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE for information.

THE SWITCH IS ON: Holiday Travel and Greenhouse Gases

Almost half of the carbon dioxide released in Durham is the result of transportation. As we approach the travel intensive holiday season we might wonder if there are ways that we can reduce planet warming greenhouse gases and still be able to gather with friends and family. The answer is a little complicated.

At first glance, the data suggest that biking is better than anything (except maybe sailing), trains are better than cars, and air travel is the worst. But it’s not so simple. 

There is no doubt that short haul flights (less than 700 miles) produce more greenhouse gases than most other forms of transportation. But long-haul flights come a little closer to the carbon output per passenger of diesel trains, buses, and single passenger gas-powered cars. This is because the impact of the fuel intensive take-off and landing phases is mitigated by the longer time at altitude during long-haul flights. Further, although trains are generally a greener alternative to driving, not all trains are equal. CO₂ emissions are higher from diesel trains than from electric trains. Trains in parts of the Northeast Corridor use cleaner electric power, but from New Haven, CT. to New Brunswick, ME, they are powered by diesel fuel. 

The BBC chart below illustrates some of these differences. The data were drawn from the British context where diesel-powered cars are the norm. We have added a measure of gas-powered car pollution to make it compatible with Durham.  

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS SEEKS EXPERIENCED BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS PERSONNEL

The Department of Public Works is seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of Public Works professionals to serve in the role of Maintenance Worker IV – Buildings and Grounds Division.

The successful candidate will undertake rewarding and challenging work, at times using independent judgment, to execute work involving the maintenance, construction, and operations of Town-owned buildings, parks, public lands, and related equipment to ensure the proper upkeep and functionality of the Town’s municipal services. The position performs laboring tasks and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. The position works under both the general and direct supervision of the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor and Operations Manager in this versatile and exciting role.

This full-time, 40-hour-per-week position offers excellent medical, dental, life, and disability coverage, paid time off, and eligibility in the State of New Hampshire retirement plan. The salary range for this position is from $24.36 to $27.76/HR, depending upon qualifications.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the maintenance of grounds and building systems. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement and possess a Category B Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License or have the ability to obtain it within 1 year of hire. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Durham Public Works main office.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on December 13th, 2024.    

The Durham Professional Firefighters Local #2253 would like to introduce Smokey the Fire Dog. Smokey will give short tips on Fire Safety, weekly, so Parents and guardians can generate conversation with their children about Fire Safety. Keep an eye out in the weekly updates. These small questions and tips are a great way for you as a Parent/Guardian to teach your kids about Fire Safety. The more they know the safer they will be.

WEEK #47

Well Kids this week Smokey wanted to pass along some tips for Mom and Dad.  For some cold weather and winter driving tips, click HERE.

CONSIDER BEING PART OF THE WAYSMEET CENTER/CORNUCOPIA FOOD PANTRY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Waysmeet Center has openings for new Board members to support their mission and programming! The Waysmeet Center creates positive change through direct service grounded in compassion, equity, and social justice in Durham and surrounding communities.

The Waysmeet Center is home to the Cornucopia Food Pantry, an intentional residential community for UNH students, community dinners and leadership opportunities for students. Compassion, inclusion and abundance are valued throughout our work. The Center is actively seeking 2-3 new Board members who share our values and want to give back to the local community. The commitment would involve a 2-hour monthly meeting on Zoom, typically on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, with additional meetings depending on committee involvement. Especially needed are those with experience or interest in business, finance, fundraising, and community networking.

Please contact katyallen92@gmail.com with any questions or interest and click HERE for an application to apply.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

No School November 27-29

All Oyster River schools will be closed November 27, 28, and 29 for Thanksgiving Break. The SAU office will be closed November 28 and 29.

Winter Concerts and Events Schedule

ORCSD's 2024-2025 concert schedule for all grade levels may be viewed HERE.

Inclusive Connections: Support Spaces for Families and Community Members

The ORCSD offers two new support spaces for the parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ and multicultural youth and community members. These support spaces are dedicated to offering a welcoming environment to share challenges and resources, celebrate successes, ask questions, and build a network of support. Additional information may be found HERE.

• Inclusive Connections: Parents/Caregivers of LGBTQ+ Youth Support Space December 9, 2024, 6:00-7:30 pm at the ORHS Library
• Inclusive Connections: Parents/Caregivers of Multicultural Youth Support Space December 11, 2024, 6:00-7:30 pm at the ORHS Library

Astronaut Alum Scott Poteet Visits Oyster River Schools

ORCSD alum and Polaris Dawn Mission Pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet was celebrated during visits to the Oyster River Middle and High schools on November 15. Scott graduated from Oyster River High School in 1992, and he attended Oyster River Middle School and Mast Way School. Scott returned to Oyster River just one month after his space expedition to share his journey with students and staff. The ORCSD is grateful for Scott and his wife Kristin's generosity. Their visit in the district will have a lasting impact on all of us. Additional information and photos are available HERE.

Be the "I" in Kind

Be the "I" in Kind is a Mast Way School program launched on November 13 for World Kindness Day designed to encourage and support kind behaviors. Students who perform acts of kindness are invited to sign the Kindness book, receive a Kindness coin, and take a picture in front of the Kindness wall. Additional information and photos are available HERE.

ORCSD Hiring Bus and Van Drivers

ORCSD operates its own fleet, meaning our drivers work directly for us. We offer great pay at $26.74 per hour, a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, term life and long-term disability, and 403 (b) with annuity. ORCSD drivers get 11 paid holidays, 15 days of paid sick time, and up to a $1,000 annual perfect attendance bonus! Guaranteed work week with a choice of weekly hours from 20, 25 or 30, and summer hours (for those interested). Please contact Director of Transportation Trisha Daley at 603-868-1610 or tdaley@orcsd.org. More information available HERE. Apply HERE today.

ORCSD School Board Updates

The ORCSD School Board met November 20 for a regular meeting. Moharimet School 4th grade students presented their energy project and staff talked about the importance of project-based integrated learning. ORHS Principal Rebecca Noe gave a brief update noting that the Field Hockey team received an Eastern Propane NHIAA Community Spirit Award and congratulated HOBY Youth Leadership recipient Morgan Righini. A cell phone survey will be sent to students, parents, guardians and staff in the coming weeks. Student representative Stella Pillet-Shore congratulated Cross Country team for placing 4th in New England and the Sustainability, Wellness and DEIJ committees provided brief updates. NOVO Studio Architects Principals Anne Ketterer and Steve Laput gave a capital projects presentation about Mast Way, Moharimet, and Oyster River High schools. You may view the full meeting on the Streaming ORCSD YouTube channel HERE.

Message from the ORCSD School Board

"Since August, the School Board and the Teachers’ Guild have been working diligently to reach a new agreement. The Board is mindful of its obligation to our taxpayers and our commitment to our professional staff. We highly value our teachers and the important role that they play in providing students with the quality of education they deserve. Despite everyone’s best effort, an agreement has not yet been reached. The next step is to work together with a mediator to reach an agreement as quickly as possible."

President Elizabeth S. Chilton invites you to a Community Skating Party December 10, 2024, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Whittemore Center Arena at Key Auto Group Complex

All members of the UNH and Durham community and their families are welcome! Even if you do not skate, please join us for hot cocoa, holiday treats and time together with the greater UNH community. Giveaways, face painting, and other activities for all ages will be available. In addition to complementary holiday treats, concessions will be available with additional items for purchase.

Please consider bringing new and unwrapped hats or mittens to donate to the local community.

A very limited number of skates will be available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Youth sizes are not available.