DURHAM – Several taxpayers whose 2002 tax bills apparently fell through the cracks, will be getting a delayed bill for their 2002 real estate tax in the mail within the next few days.

Selectmen, in their capacity as the Board of Assessors, have authorized the Tax Collector to send out 14 bills for properties that were inadvertantly untaxed in 2002.

The value of the properties total $1,489,200, and the total taxes due, $26,209. All of the bills are in excess of $1,000, with the exception of one for $867. The highest bill is $3,507 and five are more than $2,000 each.

The bills will not come as a surprise to everyone, a town office spokesperson explained – several have made inquires as to why they did not receive a bill.

The properties, mostly new homes, which were not included on a list compiled by the former Assessor’s Agent, were found this year by the new assessing firm. Town officials did not rule out that an ongoing review may turn up additional properties that were missed. A letter will be sent with the bills explaining what happened.

In other business, it was voted to sell the First Responder’s Rescue 7, a 1989 Ford #350 van, for the high bid of $750 submitted by Frederick Maitland of Cumberland, with the stipulation that it is not roadworthy. The only other bid was $526.50.

Selectmen agreed to seek bids for a new three-year curbside trash pickup contract. Bids are to be back by December 15, and the contract will be awarded at the annual town meeting on March 6, 2004. The current contractor is Pine Tree Waste, which has held the contract for the last four years. Morton submitted the low quote for winter road salt at a cost of $32.48 per ton. The only other bidder was Shurtleff for $42.80. Selectmen urged the Road Commissioner to order as soon as possible.

The Board met in executive session with County EMA Director Joanne Potvin for the annual personnel review. Barry Baldwin was appointed to the Comprehensive Plan Committee.