For the full wording of the Article, see this link: Link to the Warrant as Amended following Deliberative Session
What it Means: The petitioners ask that there be a differential tax rate for real estate owned by people who do not live in Hampton. The idea is to make up the lost revenue from real estate tax exemptions expanded via the 2024 Town Warrant.
Those in Favor Say: The state of Vermont has a similar rate differential for non-residents.
Those Opposed Say: State law dictates that tax rates are set based on property value, without regard for residential status. Thus, the Article as written would be illegal and not enforceable, according to a legal opinion obtained by the Town. Aside from the legal opinion, speakers against this idea asked – what about elderly people whose homes have been taken over by out-of-state relatives? Or family homes that have been inherited by adult children who live elsewhere? Also argued was the thought that out-of-state owners often use less of the Town’s services, yet they pay the same tax rate now. Increasing what they pay may not be fair.