Select Board — August 26, 2024
Hopkinton's townwide property revaluation shows ~79.8% increase in assessed values; three residents raise equity concerns at August 26th Select Board meeting as over 200 assessment hearings are scheduled
The meeting was largely routine and unified, but three residents raised concerns during the public forum about a nearly 80% property revaluation, introducing community anxiety that prevented this from being a fully routine session.
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**Hopkinton Select Board — August 26, 2024: Key Takeaways for Property Owners**
If you own property in Hopkinton, here's what you need to know from the August 26th Select Board meeting.
Town Administrator Neal Cass reported that the townwide property revaluation has pushed assessed property values up approximately 79.8% before any hearing adjustments. Over 200 individual assessment hearings have already been scheduled — a strong signal that this is a widespread concern across town.
Three residents spoke during a public forum on property assessments. Resident Laura Morgan raised concerns that the assessing software produces inequitable results between older and newer homes — a structural fairness argument, not just a complaint about one property. Resident Rick MacMillan shared that the assessment is directly affecting his consideration of whether to sell his home. Byron Carr also commented on modern assessment methods. These are real financial stakes for real residents.
The Town Administrator responded by defending the Department of Revenue Administration-certified mass appraisal process and directing residents to schedule individual hearings with the Assessor. The Select Board made no independent statements and offered no commitment to examine whether the methodology is producing equitable outcomes across property types.
In other business, Byron Carr presented a community-developed plan for Riverway Park improvements — including play equipment, benches, restrooms, picnic tables, and art displays — all to be funded entirely through donations at no cost to the Town. The board also adopted the FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2024, which makes Hopkinton eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation grants covering flooding, high wind, severe winter weather, and fire hazards.
The board voted unanimously to seal nonpublic session minutes on both a personnel matter and a property lease or sale involving town assets. Both are permitted under RSA 91-A. The property matter will remain sealed until a future public hearing.
Hopkinton residents — especially property owners — should be aware that over 200 hearings are already scheduled. If you have concerns about your assessment, contact the Assessor's office to schedule a hearing. And consider attending the next Select Board meeting to ask where this revaluation stands.
Public impact
Assessed values up approximately 79.8% townwide before hearing adjustments; over 200 individual hearings already scheduled, indicating broad resident concern about tax bill impacts
Unlocks eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation grants; plan covers flooding, high wind, severe winter weather, and fire hazards for a 5-year horizon with annual reporting requirements
Topics discussed
Chair Dunlap and Mr. Traum shared memories of Sue Strickford and Tom Johnson, who both served the Town in many capacities and recently passed away.
Board approved multiple financial items including AP manifests totaling over $3.3 million, payroll, fund transfers, abatements, exemptions, and various permits and applications.
Byron Carr presented a community-developed plan for Riverway Park improvements including play equipment, benches, restrooms, picnic tables, and art displays, all to be funded through donations with no cost to the Town.
Board adopted the FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2024, which makes the Town eligible for FEMA grants and requires annual progress reports.
Town Administrator reported that property values are up about 79.8% townwide, with over 200 assessment hearings scheduled, and an extension granted until October 1 for MS-1 submission.
Revenue streams including PILOTs, vehicle registrations, and rents are performing well, with some departmental expenses running as expected except for timing variations.
Board reviewed logistics for Thursday evening resident entry at Blue Gate from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with 2,500 wristbands available and residency proof required.
Three residents expressed concerns about assessment equity and methods, with Town Administrator explaining that mass appraisals are done broadly and individual concerns should be addressed through hearings with the Assessor.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Property Revaluation — 79.8% Townwide Increase
Assessment Equity — Older vs. Newer Homes
Sealed Nonpublic Session Minutes — Personnel Issue
Sealed Nonpublic Session Minutes — Property Lease/Sale
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Accountability flags
Agenda items not discussed
Topics discussed — not on agenda
Transcript vs. official minutes
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