NOTICE

BCA MEETING

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Topsham Town Office

5:30PM 

Agenda: Audit of the Voter Checklist

Thanks to Friends of Topsham and Bradford Hannaford’s,

Dump Day Donuts now also includes a table of

FREE FRESH FOOD

perishable staples like fruit, veggies, eggs, cheese

available Saturday mornings at the Topsham Community Hall

in West Topsham village

to any of our neighbors in need, no questions asked.

Waits River Valley School District  

Unified #36 

Regular Board Meeting 

Date: September 11, 2025 

Time: 6:00PM 

Location: Waits River Valley School 

6 Waits River Valley Rd, East Corinth VT 05040 

Agenda 

I. Welcome 

II. Board Business 

A. Agenda Review/Approval 

B. Approve Minutes: 08/19/25 

C. Correspondence:  

■ New Hire: Andrea Wilkins, Math Support Paraeducator, ‘25-’26 

D. Contracts 

E. Board Orders 

III. Public Comment 

IV. Reports 

A. Treasurer’s Report 

B. Principal’s Report 

C. Facilities Report 

D. OESU Updates 

E. Financial Update 

I. Act 173 (H.454) Updates 

II. Draft OESU Open Letter to Vermont Legislators 

III. Food Service 

IV. ACTION: OEEA Collective Bargaining Agreement Severance Incentive Program V. Proposed Executive Session- Grievance 

VI. Public Comment 

VII. Wrap-Up/Next Meeting Agenda 

VIII. Adjournment


Property Taxes: What You Need to Know

Payment Deadlines & Penalties

  • Pay on time! Your full property tax payment is due on or before October 1st.

  • Avoid extra charges: To prevent penalties and interest, make sure your payment reaches us by October 1st. 

    • A penalty of 8% will be added to any unpaid amount starting October 2nd.

    • Interest will also be charged on unpaid balances: with a rate of 1% per month. 

  • Didn't get a bill? Not receiving your tax bill doesn't excuse you from paying on time or from incurring penalties and interest.

How to Pay
We offer several ways to pay your property taxes:

  • In Person: Visit our office during regular hours.

  • Mail: Send your payment via postal service to the Town Office.

  • Throughout the Year: You are always welcome to make payments ahead on your taxes throughout the year prior to receiving your bill.  

Important Information

  • Change of Address: If your mailing address changes, please let the Town Clerk's office know right away! You can email at topshamvt@outlook.com or call (802) 439-5505.

  • Keep Your Tax Bill: Hold onto your tax bill! You'll need it when you prepare your federal and state tax returns next year. This is the only copy you will receive.

  • Need a Receipt? If you'd like a receipt, please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your payment.

  • Escrow Accounts: If your mortgage company handles your property taxes through an escrow account, we strongly recommend you contact them to ensure they have your most current tax information.

  • Homestead Declaration: To receive your property tax adjustment, you must file Form HS-122 (Homestead Declaration) and Form HI-144 (Household Income) every year with the Vermont Department of Taxes by April 15th.  There is a penalty for filing after April 15th through oct 15th.  For questions about this, contact Vermont Taxpayer Services at (802) 828-2865.

Property Transfers

  • Who Pays Taxes? By law, property taxes are assessed based on who owns the property on April 1st. Tax bills are mailed to the owner of record at that time.

  • Selling Your Property? If you sell your property after April 1st: 

    • It's your responsibility to forward the tax bill to the new owner.

    • It's the new owner's responsibility to be aware of and meet the payment due dates.

  • Subdividing Your Property? If your property is subdivided after April 1st: 

    • Your bill will still cover the entire original parcel.

    • It's your responsibility to ensure the entire tax bill is paid in full for the whole year.

  • Legal Advice for Transfers: Our office doesn't handle arrangements for prorated taxes or funds held in escrow during a sale or subdivision. Please contact your attorney for guidance on these matters.

The Planning Commission will now be meeting the first Monday of each month, at 6 PM, at the Town Office.

ALL Topsham residents are invited to participate!

want to join the Planning Commission? email the Select Board!

any updates to scheduled time or place, as well as the agenda for these meetings will be posted on the ‘official town meetings’ page of this website, minutes will be available at the Town Clerk’s Office.

The Town of Topsham is looking for assistance in identifying local hazards to aid in updating the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP).

The Town of Topsham has begun the plan update process and is looking for input from surrounding towns, state, regional and community stakeholders to help identify natural hazards that impact the community.  If you are aware of any sites or problematic areas that should be considered in this plan update or if you have any general feedback, general comment or questions, please contact Stephanie Magnan with SEAM Solutions at steph.magnan@seamsolutionsvermont.com or Carl Hildebrandt at carl.hildebrandt@oesu.org with any input or questions.  

now available on our website:

public records access!

DIGITIZED LAND RECORDS, GRAND LIST, AND LAND PARCEL MAPS

All dogs age 6 months old are required by State Law to be registered by April 1st with the Town Clerk. 

A current rabies certificate is necessary for licensing. 

 Neutered/Spayed:  fee before April 1st $11.00; fee after April 1st $13.00

 NOT Neutered/Spayed:  fee before April 1st $15.00;  fee after April 1st  $19.00

Have you ever wondered about the history of Topsham or your homestead?

Or about your Topsham ancestors? Or what a snowroller looks like and when was one used in town (V2, Page 310)? Who was Charles Ross Taggart who is on the plaque outside of the town hall (V2, Page 336)? What is the Topsham Fairy Story and how does it relate to the Chickadees we see in winter (V1, Page 561)? Where did the name, Topsham, originate (V2, Page 26)?

The answers to these and many more historical and genealogical questions can be found inside:

Topsham Sketches II, Volumes One and Two!

These volumes created by the Topsham History Committee share amazing insights into the people, lands, homes, schools and businesses of Topsham from our early settlers to more contemporary times.

If you would like one or both of the volumes, you can find them available at the Town Clerk’s office for a donation of your choice.

VT HEALTH CONNECT

IMPORTANT INFO:

*there is no enrollment deadline for Medicaid/ Dr. Dynosaur*

Vermonters who are eligible for Medicaid can enroll at any time of year:

 

PROPERTY TAX BILLS ARE DUE OCTOBER 1