MVOSC FAQs
Mont Vernon Open Space Committee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of the Mont Vernon Open Space Committee?
In 2005, residents voted at the Town Meeting to approve a $750,000 bond, for one year, for the purpose of purchasing open space to protect the natural resources of the Town of Mont Vernon. The Open Space Committee has been working with the Conservation Commission to
facilitate the purchase of any potential properties that come before the Commission.
How does the Open Space Committee differ from the Conservation Commission?
The Open Space Committee was formed because the Conservation Commission went to the voters in 2003 asking that the Open Space Committee be created as a separate entity with the soul purpose of focusing on preservation of open space in Mont Vernon. The Open Space Committee is now a sub-committee appointed by the Conservation Commission.
What has the Open Space Committee been working on?
- Developed a Criteria Checklist for open space parcels. Criteria for open space parcels was established according to the Town’s Master Plan, Natural Resources list and Conservation Commission input.
- Reviewed all town tax maps and prioritized parcels that met the criteria set forth
- Contacted over 25 landowners with property in town to determine if any interest in working with the town.
- Worked with the Local Government Center and the Center for Land Conservation Assistance of NH. These organizations provided advice and protocols for working with landowners. We also worked with the UNH County Extension to help us evaluate natural resources of a parcel under consideration
- Met with real estate agent, forester, appraiser and other local land conservation group to research potential parcels for open space purchases.
- Met with Conservation Commission and Selectmen regularly to inform and update them on our activities.
What’s this I hear about a bond?
The Open Space Committee is presenting to the voters at the 2006 Town Meeting a warrant article for a bond, in the amount of $750,000 for the purchase of open space in town. This bond is authorized for three years and will require a majority of two thirds of the voters at Town Meeting in order to pass. When a parcel of land becomes available for purchase, it will have to go before the voters for approval at a Special Town Meeting or the Annual Town Meeting (whichever is more timely) and pass by a majority vote.
How much will this affect my taxes?
According to the NH Municipal Bond Bank amortization schedule, the tax rate for a $750,000 bond with a 15 year term @ 4.749% for the first year is .36 cents per thousand dollar property valuation, and reduced to .22 cents by the 15th year. For example: on a house valued at $150,000 the 1st year tax impact is $54.00 (150 x .36 = 54.). In the last year the impact would be $33.00 (150 x .22 = 33.).
Is the $750,000 being held in a bank account during the year?
NO. This is a “line of credit” and is the maximum amount that the town could potentially spend on purchasing open space in three years. If no purchases are made in the next three years, then the bond expires and we will have to go before the voters again in order to be renewed. THERE IS NO TAX IMPACT IF NO LAND PURCHASES ARE MADE.
What happens if the bond passes?
The Open Space Committee and the Conservation Commission will continue a search for parcels of open space that must meet the criteria in the Open Space Report and Town’s Master Plan. (Open Space Report is posted on the Town’s Web site.). The Open Space Committee and Conservation Commission will present these recommendations to the Selectmen, who then present to the citizens for a vote. Landowners who are interested in working with us are encouraged to come to a meeting or contact one of the members.
What role do the Selectmen have in this process?
NH State Law states that the Selectmen can purchase land for the town but the bond REQUIRES that the Selectmen SHALL NOT ISSUE SUCH BONDS UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CITIZENS OF Mont Vernon at an annual or special town meeting by a simple majority. Therefore, each parcel purchased by the selectmen must be approved by the citizens of Mont Vernon.
How de we ensure that the town will not overpay for parcels of land?
Prospective parcels of land will be appraised to determine fair market value. Each parcel of land must meet specific criteria in the Open Space Report and the town’s Master Plan, and ultimately, the voters will have final authority if a parcel will be purchased.
Is the open space committee looking for land for a school?
No, there is another committee in town associated with the School Committee that is working on that.
What is the long term goal of the Open Space Committee?
Our goal is to preserve the rural character of the town of Mont Vernon by protecting the natural resources identified in the town’s Master Plan. Priorities in the Master Plan include preserving our ground water supply, wetlands, forests, conservation land, wildlife habitat, scenic roads, vistas, agricultural and historic sites. The Open Space Committee recommends that for every three house lots that are developed, one lot of open space is preserved. The Society for the Protection of NH Forests and the Center for Land Conservation Assistance recommends that every town in NH put aside 25% of their land for open space. Mont Vernon has almost 12% of open lands. Town owned land, while currently listed as open space, is not permanently protected from development unless a conservation easement is placed on the land.