Joe Cormier: When will Moultonborough tax cap petitions take effect?

To The Daily Sun,

Moultonborough has different opinions on when the tax cap petitions take effect. Shouldn't need a juris doctor. Again, RSA 32:5-b, V “... shall apply ... beginning with the following fiscal year and for all subsequent years ...” The voting takes place Saturday, March 15. The vote is in fiscal year 2025, for FY 2026 and beyond. Doesn't say anything about if the operating budgets are done. Also, statutorily, the vote on the tax cap must be before the budget vote. Presumption is there will be a “restrict reconsideration” vote on the tax cap warrant article as well. Lawyers give opinions, judges give rulings.

Just for kicks, asked ChatGPT, an AI program:

“What is the effective fiscal year for the tax cap for Moultonborough?” Answer:

"In Moultonborough, New Hampshire, the fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. This aligns with the fiscal years of the local school district, the State of New Hampshire, and Carroll County. If Moultonborough adopts RSA 32:5-b (which allows for a tax cap) during its annual Town Meeting, the tax cap would become effective at the beginning of the next fiscal year, starting July 1 following the adoption. For example, if the town adopts RSA 32:5-b at the annual town meeting in March 2025, the tax cap would take effect on July 1, 2025, marking the start of the fiscal year 2026. It's important to note that while the town operates on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year, the annual reports are based on the calendar year ending Dec. 31. Therefore, the implementation of the tax cap would align with the town's fiscal year, beginning on July 1 following its adoption."

ChatGPT even picked up the error of past annual reports, about calendar year ending in December (behind cover page).

Joe Cormier

Moultonborough