09/10/2026
Though I am currently an elected NH State Representative, I serve in a dual role for our community as I am also a Merrimack Town Councilor. In both positions, I strive to advocate for the citizens of my community. Housing affordability is a priority for Rosemarie and I, and it's important that the voices of our citizens be heard on this issue.
On tonight's Town Council meeting agenda is:
"Consideration of Changes to Chapter 178, Taxation (Article II, Elderly Tax Exemptions)
[Final Reading]
Submitted by Town Manager Paul T. Micali
The Town Council to consider the recommended changes to Chapter 178, Taxation (Article II,
Elderly Tax Exemptions), of the Merrimack Town Code, pursuant to Charter Article V."
Sharing the following Union Leader article about tonight's elderly property tax exemption agenda item.
The article:
"Merrimack’s town councilors could increase property tax breaks for the elderly at their meeting Thursday night.
If approved, changes to the elderly tax exemption would be retroactive to April 1. Councilors there held a public hearing Aug. 20 and received little input.
Town administrators are seeking changes to the elderly property tax exemption because of recent revaluations to home values. Town Manager Paul Micali previously told councilors that the goal is to ensure elderly residents who have the exemption do not realize an increase in taxes because of the revaluation.
In Merrimack, there are three age categories for the property tax exemption: 65 to 74 years old; 75 to 79 years old; and over 80. For each of those categories, values increased 52% on average following the revaluation.
Across the whole town, values went up 45% on average, officials said.
“Some of these homes were older homes in Merrimack. They were smaller homes in Merrimack. They were in that sweet spot, where people are looking. Starting families could afford these types of houses in their values. So, that created bidding wars, which pushed up the valuation of these homes,” Micali said in August.
The current exemption for the 65 to 74-year-old category is $115,000, and Micali suggested increasing it to $176,400. For 75 to 79, it is $155,000 and could be increased to $239,000. For those over 80, the current exemption amount is $195,000; that could be increased to $296,750. The proposed increases roughly correlate with average percentage increases in home values.
Additionally, in coming up with figures for an increase, Micali told councilors that he reviewed elderly tax exemptions among 12 other municipalities. He found that Merrimack has the third highest elderly exemption for the 65 to 74 age bracket and the 75 to 79 age brackets, and the fourth highest for those over 80.
In nearby Bedford, for example, the assessed value deduction for those aged 65 to 74 is $117,100. For those aged 75 to 79, it’s $124,900, and for those 80 and older it is $184,100. Income limits in Bedford are $62,600 for single people and $84,600 for married people. Net assets there can’t exceed $150,000, excluding the value of the residence.
The current income limit for single individuals in Merrimack is $45,000 and $60,000 for married couples.
To qualify for the exemption, an individual must have been a state resident for at least three years, own the real estate individually or jointly, or have been married at least five years if the real estate is owned by that person’s spouse. Taxpayers, in addition to falling within income limits, must own net assets of $200,000 or less, excluding the value of the residence.
Merrimack’s Town Council will meet Thursday at 7 p.m."
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