How did Epping Taxpayers end up paying EYAA taxes?

Epping taxpayers should never have been asked to pay for what is supposedly a “Non-Profit” organization’s tax bill. But, that is exactly what happened at a Town Meeting, according to the 2021 Annual Town Report.  As printed in the Town Report, this article appeared on the 2021 Town Warrant: “Article 13: Epping Youth Athletic Association...To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) in support of the Epping Youth Athletic Association”.

What Went Down...

The Warrant Article was originally submitted for Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), the usual request made by EYAA in previous years. But then Selectman Belanger rose to speak in favor of doubling the amount stating that the Epping Youth Athletic Association (EYAA) received a tax bill for $4,000.00 and unable to make the payment! At that point, having already decided...the already over taxed property owner should pay the bill, Selectman Belanger made this motion at the Town Deliberative session on February 2, 2021, “to increase the sum to ($10,000.00) Ten Thousand Dollars.” Selectman Belanger’s motion was seconded by then Selectman Adam Munguia, Board Chairman, who spoke in favor of the motion along with Budget Committee members Heather Clark and Michael Charkowski. A vote was taken and the motion passed. Spending someone else’s money just comes so easy, doesn’t it?

Exactly What Took Place Here?

Who do these people represent? Do they think Epping Taxpayers pockets are deep? Is it now okay to throw thousands of dollars at any non-government organization that finds itself in financial distress? Do these four spenders have kids served by the EYAA? What about those people who don’t? Do they count? Did it matter to Belanger, Munguia, Clark and Charkowski to ask WHY the EYAA specifically needed the money?

Does The EYAA Enjoy a Favorite Status?

Recently we learned that the Board of Selectmen have taken it upon themselves, for the last several years, to submit warrant articles on behalf of the EYAA without the minimum 25 signatures required by law. They continued the practice this year even after learning that the EYAA leadership had acted politically in violation of IRS code that governs ALL 501(c)(3) nonprofits.  This knowledge failed to deter the Selectmen. They took no action to remove the EYAA Special Warrant Article; namely: Article 23. They also did nothing to publicly admonish the EYAA leadership. The Selectmen’s failure to address the matter shows a lack of respect for how they recommend your money be spent. 

Tell your elected representatives this practice is unethical, and wholly unacceptable.