In light of recent discussions about tax rates, we want to share some more information that, hopefully, will provide some clarification.

Based on the budget approved in March, prior to unearthing the information we have now, we were expecting to have a 2.6% increase in our tax rates. This was based entirely on the information that was provided to us at the time and we had no reason to doubt the numbers we were given. Now that Interim Business Administrator Matt Angell is providing us with accurate information from our current school administration, we’ve learned that the initial tax rate increase was incorrect. The tax rate should be increasing by a total of either approximately 6% or 9%, depending on which of the below scenarios is correct. This is not in addition or on top of the original rate. This is instead of that original rate.

One of the most important elements to understand is that any changes in the tax rate are based on the budget voters approved in March 2025, not the deficit that was discovered in August 2025. Voters approved the following warrant articles:

Article 3  $42,933,564

Article 4   $     168,000

Article 5   $       78,000

Total       $43,179,564

In reviewing the total budget and the revenues for the SAU, Interim Business Administrator Matt Angell noticed that the Special Education Aid expected revenue from the New Hampshire Department of Education is significantly higher this year than it was last year. To make sure we have the right information, he has asked the NHDOE to review it and make sure they got it right.

Right now, the Special Education Aid shows that it will be $1,116,584. This is more than twice the funds the SAU received from the state for education in 2024-2025, which was $469,971.64. When we see this kind of difference, it is important to look more closely and make sure the numbers we are working from are accurate.

Of course we hope the Special Education Aid is the higher of the two numbers. It is so different from the previous school year that it raises concerns. If we rely on that number, we could be looking at an artificially lower tax rate and not accurately fund the schools.This is what happened last year, when voters, in good faith,  approved the budget presented to them. It is far better for the long-term health of Claremont and our schools to “get it right the first time.”

While we wait for a response from the state, Mr. Angell has two tax rate estimates based on two scenarios. One is based on the projected Special Education Aid being accurate and the other is based on it being close to what the actual revenue was in 2025.

Tax Rate Estimate 1 - In this estimate, the Special Education Aid is set at $500,000 (similar to the actual funds received from last year). In this scenario, the NH State Education Tax is estimated to be $1.24 per thousand dollars of assessed value and the Local Education Tax is estimated to be $16.36 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Together, the total of both taxes is estimated to be $17.60 per thousand dollars of assessed value, which is $1.48 (9.18%)  higher than last year.

Tax Rate Estimate 2 - In this estimate, the Special Education Aid is set at $1,116,584 (the number we currently have before the state reviews it). In this scenario, the NH State Education Tax is estimated to remain the same at $1.24 per thousand dollars of assessed value and the Local Education Tax is estimated to be $15.86 per thousand dollars of assessed value. Together, the total of both taxes is $17.10 per thousand dollars of assessed value, which is $0.98 (6.08%) higher than last year.

We appreciate your patience while we work with the state to determine which amount is correct. We want to keep you informed with the most accurate information available to us. Thank you.