HAMPTON PROPERTY TAX REVOLT UPDATE

Hampton taxpayers, led by former Selectwoman Regina Barnes, have filed a lawsuit against the town alleging that the 2024 property revaluation and resulting tax increases were unlawful, unconstitutional, and financially harmful.

Key points:

Average assessments increased 54% in Hampton during the 2024 revaluation, with some coastal properties rising disproportionately due to a statistical (sales-based) revaluation instead of a full “measure and list.”

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The suit was filed pro se by Barnes on behalf of 55+ residents, claiming the assessment system violates state law, the NH Constitution, and federal law.

Allegations include:

1. Violations of RSA 75:1

2. Civil conspiracy and fraud

3. RICO-level conduct

4. An unfair state-level assessment and appeal system

5. Plaintiffs request the court to:

6. Nullify the 2024 revaluation

7. Roll back values to 2019

8. Provide abatements for anyone whose taxes increased by more than 13.4%

9. Compel resignations from Select Board members if they violated their oaths

10. Order statutory reforms to RSA 75:1

The Town of Hampton moved to dismiss, arguing:

1. Superior Court lacks jurisdiction; such disputes belong at the Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA)

2. Plaintiffs never filed local abatements

3. Plaintiffs lack standing to seek abatements for all taxpayers

4. Claims of fraud/RICO lack evidentiary support

5. Ordering the Legislature to amend RSA 75:1 would violate separation of powers.

Barnes filed an objection, asserting statutory limitations do not apply to private citizens under Part I, Article 1 of the NH Constitution, and requested a hearing.

The case is currently awaiting a judge’s decision on whether it will move forward in the Superior Court.

A hearing has been requested by both parties.