Mailbox knock downs

The issue of whether the town should pay for mailboxes our DPW plows knock down is probably a current concern of several residents.  One resident did recently email me about it, and since other residents may be wondering these days during this endless snow February about the town policy on the matter, I thought I should post my email response to that resident.

I did get your email about your mailbox being knocked down by a town plow. Please know that I rarely look at my Gmail account, and that it is better to get to me via Osler.Peterson@OslerPeterson.com.

First, let me apologize if it was in fact a town DPW truck that knocked down your mailbox.

Second, let me explain that the town used to pay for mailboxes that got knocked down, then first limited the amount paid from memory to about $50, and then even later about ten years ago the Board of Selectmen opted not to pay at all, on advice of the town administration, because:

1. A survey of other towns showed that most did not pay
2. the prices varied so much, and some were expensive
3. liability was never certain (it could have been done by the driveway plow people), and
4. the mailboxes are generally placed on the town’s property (the public way).

The Board of Selectmen just made a policy decision about how to spend our tax money. If the residents of the town want the town to pay for those mailboxes, they are free to have it done. Anyone can submit an annual town meeting (ATM) warrant article asking to have it done.