Man gets tree growth penalty

SUMNER – Bradley M. Benson will be billed $12,314 from the town due to his failure to file a tree growth plan.

A plan has to be submitted within a year of purchasing land and then every 10 years thereafter or it is automatically withdrawn from the tree growth plan.

Secretary to selectmen, Cynthia Norton, said she had sent two notices to Benson and a personal reminder for him to submit the plan.

In another matter this week, selectmen reviewed an official notice declaring Fields Hill Cemetery abandoned. The town will acquire unoccupied lots unless someone comes forward to claim ownership of the unoccupied lots by Dec. 6.

Kathleen Hawkins was appointed alternate licensed plumbing inspector and Rick Houghton was appointed alternate animal control officer.

Property tax rate set in Hartford

HARTFORD – Officials met Nov. 8 and agreed to set the property tax rate at $13.70, which is the same as last year.