The Board of Selectmen held a special meeting on April 23 to decide two important issues: paying taxes and commemorating Memorial Day.

Residents should be relieved that property taxes will not be due and payable until October 1. The Governor’s Executive Orders provided municipalities with two options for tax collection — a deferment program or a low interest rate for late payments. The Selectmen adopted a 90-day deferment program, which applies to all residents, nonprofits, and businesses; and while the Selectmen will not require taxpayers to submit an affidavit proving financial hardship due to Covid-19, taxpayers are encouraged to submit tax payment on July 1 if they are financially able.  Selectmen will also rely on escrowed tax payments, and the General Fund if necessary, to cover expenses in the interim.

A less popular decision, though just as necessary, cancellation of the traditional Memorial Day parade and ceremony in order to adhere to social distancing and to avoid attracting crowds. The committee will be meeting to determine alternate commemorations, which will include the traditional wreath on the Town Hall Memorial that residents can visit to pay their respects. Residents are also encouraged to throw a flower into the water at the Little River Bridge, a tradition of the Naval Ceremony which usually takes place there. Lastly, the Fire Department might be recruited to form a procession around town for neighbors to view from the privacy of their own driveways. In other words, the parade (sans the marching band, the horses, the tractors and the scouts) will come to you, rather than you coming to the parade!