The tax revenue collected is simply the amount authorized by the annual town meeting minus other revenue expected (such as auto reg fees). The tax rate is set just prior to the 2nd tax bill in Nov when a very good estimate of other revenue can be made.
This is the same in all towns. The real effect of a lot of waterfront is a lower tax rate. There will be $$ left over only to the extent that the total amount authorized at the town meeting was not fully expended or other revenue is higher than expected. Barring unplanned emergency spending during the year, most towns have some left over. As noted this adds to the town's "surplus" account.
Towns are advised by NH DRA to maintain a reasonable surplus account. It helps with cash flow and helps avoid short term borrowing (tax anticipation notes). The surplus is also insurance against unexpected emergencies. If the surplus account grows to more than necessary, the selectmen can elect to use some to offset taxes at the time that the tax rate is set. Or propose to pay for a capital item totally or in part with surplus in the wording of a warrant article.
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