PERU — Resident Norman Miele told selectmen Monday night that they were letting some people get by for years without paying their taxes.
“How much longer will you let them ride?” he asked.
Board of Selectmen Chairman Jim Pulsifer said it takes time to foreclose. Town Clerk Vera Parent said that many were on a payment plan and have paid since the last list of delinquent taxpayers was made.
“A lot of them are catching up.” she said.
Pulsifer said they like to work with the people instead of just foreclosing, and the town does make money on interest. “We’re moving as aggressively as we can,” he said.
Parent said it is expensive to foreclose because the town takes over the insurance and upkeep of the property.
Other residents complained against illegal junkyards, lots where three or more unregistered vehicles are on the property.
There were also complaints about road conditions after recent storms. Road Commissioner Joe Roach was not present, and Pulsifer said he should be at every board meeting to answer any concerns.
The board reviewed the town’s request for proposals for an audit firm. They made some deletions and additions under audit specifications and voted to ask for two hard copies rather than emails of the auditor’s report no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.
Copies of proposals will be accepted by the Board of Selectmen, Peru Town Office until 5 p.m. August 12. They asked Parent to get an ad in the paper this week for bids.
The board signed the County tax letter for $95,476.
Selectman Lee Merrill, acting Animal Control Officer, said he took care of one dangerous dog complaint this week. Pulsifer reminded people that dogs cannot run free and must be leashed.
Selectmen approved Debora Jenkins’ requested building permit for a storage shed on Auburn Road.
Pulsifer urged citizens to attend the meeting Thursday night at Mountain Valley High School at 6:30 for new vote on the RSU 10 budget and the validation vote on Tuesday, July 30. Parent said polls would be open from noon until 8:00 p.m.
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