Frequently Asked Questions

There is usually no charge for borrowing an item through interlibrary loan. If the only available lending libraries charge a fee, we will always contact you first before proceeding with the request. There is a $1 per day charge for overdue ILL items.

In general, books and audiobooks can be renewed but movies and music cannot. Renewals are at the discretion of the lending library, and there is a limit of one renewal per item. Since we must contact the lending library for renewals, please inform us at least one week before the item's due date if you need to renew it. ILL staff can be contacted directly at 603-230-3711 with renewal requests.

When viewing the title you’d like to reserve in the online catalog, click on “Place Hold” (the button on the right side of the screen). You will be prompted to enter your library barcode and PIN number. At the pop-up screen, you will need to choose whether you want to pick the item up at the Main Library, the Heights Branch or the Penacook Branch Library (as of 9/8/20, only the Main Library is an option due to Covid-19). If you have an email address on file with us, you will receive an email once the item has been placed on the holdshelf. We will call you if we do not have your email. Items are held for 7 days, and are then re-shelved or moved on to the next patron. Please note that in order to place a hold, you must have a current library card and your fines cannot exceed $10.

If you need assistance, please use our Ask Us Form, or call the Service Desk at 603-225-8670.

Any item that hasn't been requested by another patron can be renewed twice by logging into your account and going to the Checkouts tab. Just check the box next to the desired item(s) and click on “Renew.” You can also renew items by calling the Service Desk at 603-225-8670. To renew an Interlibrary Loan item, please email  ILL Staff or call 603-230-3711 one week before the item is due.

There are different charges for different types of material. All of the rates and replacement costs are outlined in this Fines & Fees Chart. If you have a question about a fine or fee, please contact the Service Desk at 603-225-8670.

We are able to accept payments at our Main (Green Street) location in the form of cash, money order, or personal check (made out to Concord Public Library). Outstanding balances are acceptable, but patrons will be unable to use their library cards for check-outs or renewals unless the total balance is below $10.00.

The arena can be rented out for both ice and off-ice activities. Ice is rented out on an hourly basis from mid-September to mid-March. Groups returning from the previous year have priority on the previous year’s ice slot. Groups wishing to rent the arena for off-ice events may do so from mid-March to the last weekend in August. Groups returning from the previous year have priority on the previous year’s show date. Contact the arena manager at 603-228-2784 for details and fee schedule.

Yes, in order to cover our postage and printing costs, mailed copies and printouts are $1 for the first page and $0.50 per additional page.  We do not charge a fee for copies or information sent by email.

Ask Us Page

Yes, you can apply for a library card online!  Please fill out the form here.  You must be a Concord or Penacook resident to apply for a library card online; unfortunately we are unable to process non-resident cards online.  After we receive your application, one of our librarians will send your card information by email. Your card will be valid for sixty days. During that time, please stop by the Main Library with your photo ID and proof of Concord residence to pick up your physical library card.  Once you pick up your physical card we will extend your expiration date by our standard term.

If your card is recently expired or you are unable to come to the library to renew it in person, you can apply for a Virtual Card extension here.  Our Circulation Supervisor will extend your card for 60 days.  Within those 60 days, please bring a photo ID* to any of our branches, and let the staff on duty know that you are renewing your card.  At that point, we will extend your card for our standard term (usually 3 years).

*If your photo ID does not have your current Concord or Penacook address listed, please bring a piece of mail, utility bill, car registration, or other proof of address as well.

If your card was lost in a public place, we strongly recommend that you contact us to suspend your account (so that your card is not used by someone else to check out material). The replacement cost for a new card is $2.

Submit a request for barricades and cones using our online web portal at www.concordnh.gov/seeclickfix. Select the "Road Request" category and then "Request for Barricades" in the selection menu.

The City does not reimburse for pothole damage unless the City was negligent in filling the pothole in a timely manner. Potholes are considered to be the normal consequence of the freeze/thaw cycles of New England weather. Once notified of a pothole, the Highway and Utilities Division is responsible for repairing it in a reasonable period of time (48 hours). To report a pothole please use our online web portal at www.concordnh.gov/seeclickfix.

Black and white print-outs cost 15 cents each, and color print-outs cost 50 cents each.  Our printers accept cash or coin; unfortunately we do not take credit cards.  

Yes - all of the public computers have built-in cameras. CPL no longer loans headphones, so please bring your own.

Yes we do! Please ask at the Service Desk to be logged on to the scanning workstation. There is no charge to use the scanner. Scans can be printed to our public printer, saved onto a USB drive or emailed.

The library does not currently offer classes, but staff are available to assist with basic questions related to CPL computers and wifi. If you are having trouble with downloadable books, please contact the Reference Desk at 603-225-8670 for assistance.

The library currently has two computers specifically for non-cardholders. The computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please inquire at the Service Desk for a guest pass.

Yes, in order to cover our postage and printing costs, mailed copies and printouts are $1 for the first page and $0.50 per additional page.  We do not charge a fee for copies or information sent by email.

Computers/Wifi Page

Read our frequently asked questions and answers regarding trash and recycling: https://bit.ly/SolidWasteFAQs.

Read our frequently asked questions and answers regarding Fall Leaf Collection: http://bit.ly/fallleafFAQs. 

Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) is a system where a user pays for the trash service they receive. With the Concord curbside collection PAYT program, the user fee is on a per bag basis. Think of trash like your electric or water service, you pay for what you use. Concord residents who have curbside trash collection must use purple "Concord PAYT" bags for their trash. Place you trash in the purple bag(s) and set them out for collection along with your recycling on collection day no later than 7:00 am. Find a list of retailers that sell PAYT trash bags and more information at www.concordnh.gov/trash. 

Bags can be bought at several locations throughout Concord. There are two sizes of purple bags: a 30 gallon bag which holds approximately 20 pounds of trash and a 15 gallon bag which holds approximately 10 pounds of trash. Both bags are sold in packed bundles of 5. Find a list of retailer locations at www.concordnh.gov/trash. 

Make sure you are only recycling acceptable materials. Acceptable recycling items include paper, metal, glass, cardboard, and plastic. Unacceptable items for recycling include plastic bags, Styrofoam, mirrors, batteries, light bulbs, bubble wrap, food scraps, and other items as listed in our detailed list of acceptable trash and recycling materials. Recyclables should be placed loosely in your recycle bin and not be contained inside of a plastic bag. If you are not using a recycle bin provided by the City of Concord, be sure to have your recycle bin labeled as recycling to ensure collection.

Free recycling bins are available for residents at Concord General Services at 311 North State Street. You can also use your own bin, barrel, or rigid container, but you must label it as recycling to ensure collection.

No. Since April 1, 2013, the city's curbside recycle program became a single stream system. This means residents no longer need to separate paper products from glass, tin, aluminum, and plastic. All recyclable materials can be mixed in the same container.  No need to sort - single stream 

Check our calendar or sign up for Notify Me for exact dates of our Spring Leaf Collection and Fall Leaf Collection programs. Seasonal information is available at www.concordnh.gov/leafcollection. 

If you think CPL should purchase an item, you can submit a request through our website purchase request form.  You can also sign into your library account and use the "Send a request" feature to submit a purchase request.  If your purchase request is approved, we will place a hold on the newly ordered item for you. If an item is older than 6 months, it's less likely we will consider it for purchase.  However, you can sign into your library account and submit an interlibrary loan request to borrow the item from another library. You can also submit suggestions in person at the Service Desk, or by calling 603-225-8670. Please note that in order to place a hold on an item, you must have a current library card and your fines cannot exceed $10.

When viewing the desired title in the online catalog, click on “Place Hold” (on the right). You will be prompted to enter your barcode and PIN number. At the pop-up screen, you will need to choose whether you want to pick the item up at the Main Library, the Heights Branch Library or the Penacook Branch Library. If you have an email address on file with us, you will receive an email once the item has been retrieved and placed on the holdshelf. Items are held for up to 5 days, and are then re-shelved. *Please note, in order to place a hold, you must have a current library card, and your fines cannot exceed $10.

If you need assistance, please use our Ask Us Form, or call the Service Desk at 603-225-8670.

CPL is glad to accept most materials that are clean and in good condition. However, we CANNOT accept the following items:

• Textbooks
• encyclopedias
• travel guidebooks which are over 5 years old
• health/medical books which are over 5 years old
• magazines
• Readers’ Digest Condensed Books
• series romance paperbacks (such as Harlequin and Silhouette)
• phonograph records
• items that have developed an odor
• VHS or videocassette tapes
• cassette tapes (music or audiobook)

Due to our space restrictions we are only able to accept 3 boxes or bags at a time.  Thank you for considering donating!

Yes. Library staff can provide you with a form, stating the number of items donated. If you would like a form, please speak with someone at the Service Desk when you drop off your donations.

• Purchasing Manager Doug Ross at 603-230-3664
• Purchasing Agent Karen MacGregor at 603-230-3666

• Purchasing Manager Doug Ross at 603-230-3664
• Purchasing Agent Karen MacGregor at 603-230-3666

For vehicles with a model year of 2000 or newer you will need ONE of the following: A.An original Certificate of Origin signed over on the back to the new owner, B.An original Certificate of Title signed over on the back to the new owner. C.A white or light blue copy of the Certificate of Title Application (CTA), Town Clerk’s copy, provided by the dealer. For vehicles with a model year of 1999 or older you will need a bill of sale from the seller to the buyer, signed by the seller, AND one of the following documents: A.A prior owner’s previously issued NH registration (out-of-state registration is not acceptable). B.A valid title from any state. C.A State of NH verification of VIN form (Form 19A) completed by the appropriate agency - NH law enforcement officer, NH State Inspection station, or NH dealer. This form verifies the vehicle identification for the vehicle and is available at City Hall.

If you are moving in from another NH city or town, please bring in the registration that is expiring. You must have a Photo ID: A valid Driver's License, passport, or Military ID You will also need one of the following: Signed lease agreement, utility bill, bank account, payroll check, or signed letter from the owner of the property.

If you are moving in from another state, please provide us with your original title (for vehicles who’s model years are 2000 or newer), your current out of state registration, and the current mileage on the vehicle. If your title is held by a lien holder you will need your current out of state registration, name and address of lien holder, and the current mileage on the vehicle. For vehicles with a model year of 1999 or older you will need the out of state registration, and ONE of the following documents: A.A valid title from any state. B.A State of NH verification of VIN form (Form 19A) completed by the appropriate agency - NH law enforcement officer, NH State Inspection station, or NH dealer. This form verifies the vehicle identification for the vehicle and is available at City Hall. You must have a Photo ID: A valid Driver's License, passport, or Military ID You will also need two of the following: Signed lease agreement, utility bill, bank account, payroll check, or signed letter from the owner of the property.

If you are a new business moving into the City of Concord, the business must be registered with the Secretary of State's Office prior to registering a vehicle in the State of NH. You must have a valid Driver's License You will also need two of the following: Signed lease agreement, letterhead with company name and address, signed letter from the owner of the property,  or business card with company name and address.  

Registrations are renewed usually during one’s birth month. The month prior to the expiration date of the registration the city mails a pre-registration notice with the amount due. You may renew vehicles up to four (4) months early. For companies, the registration date is based upon the company name. For example, companies who’s name begins with "A" or "B" expire in the month of January. 

The city permit fee is based on RSA 261:153. The fee is based upon: 1. The vehicle’s model year, the original factory list price of the vehicle, and the expiration date. For a new registration, the model year determines what millage (tax) rate (18, 15, 12, 9, 6, or 3 dollars per $1,000 of value of the original list price) is used to compute the City permit fee. For example, a 2022 model year is charged $18 per thousand; a 2021 model year is charged $15 per thousand, etc. 2. The number of months for which a new vehicle will be registered is determined by either the vehicle owner’s month of birth or an assigned month if the owner is a business or lease company. 3. Generally, a new vehicle cannot be registered for less than five months or more than sixteen months.

Expiration dates are the last day of the owner’s birth month (unlike one’s license which expires on one’s birthday). A new registration cannot be less than 5 months nor greater than 16 months. RSA 261:141IV. For companies, the registration date is based upon the company name. For example, companies who’s name begins with "A" or "B" expire in the month of January. 

Cash and checks are accepted in the office. Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and American Express are also accepted in the office. There is a 2.95% convenience fee with a minimum charge of $2.50 on each Credit Card transaction.

Do not use bill pay to pay for your motor vehicle renewals. Motor Vehicle renewals can only be processed using the notices provided. These must be mailed in along with a check.

The Fire Alarm Division of the Concord Fire Department maintains the traffic lights and pedestrian walk lights owned by the City of Concord. To report a light out day or night, contact our Communications Center at 603-224-2545. Our Fire Alarm Superintendent will be contacted immediately to address the problem.

Please be sure to provide the following information:

• The location of the light
• The direction of travel
• A description of the problem
• Your name and phone number so we may contact you with any questions.

Thank you!

Parking meters in the City of Concord are enforced from Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. This includes all on-street meters. Parking in the garages is free on Saturdays. On-street meter rates are $1.00 / hour. Parking meters are free after 7 p.m. and on holidays. On-street meters have 3 hour and 10 hour time limits. View the map below for more information. A good rule of thumb is: If the banks are closed for a holiday, you don’t have to feed the meter.

See the map below for information about locations with 10-hour time limits. Parking garages are free on Saturdays.

Yes, you can now pay for on-street, as well as City parking lots and garage locations with the PayByPhone app. It’s the easiest way to pay, and requires just your mobile phone.  Download it from the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play.

Why Park with PayByPhone?

• Never risk a parking ticket for an expired meter: Receive text message reminders before your parking expires.
• Never run back to the meter: Extend your parking if more time is needed, provided you have not reached maximum time limits in the meter zone in which you are parked.
• Never carry coins again: Pay with the app or at paybyphone.com, or call the toll free phone number posted on signage at kiosks and meters to purchase parking.*
• Next time you park, just look for the green PayByPhone signs on the side of your parking meter or parking kiosk. Download the PayByPhone app now, or visit paybyphone.com to start parking.

*Please note that PyByPhone does charge a fee per transaction.

You may pay for a parking ticket using any of the following options. Be sure to include your ticket or ticket # when making payment.

• On-Line: Pay your parking ticket here.  (*Subject to an online processing fee. Effective 08/12/2022, only one processing fee applies regardless of the number of citations paid.)
• US Mail (use envelope provided with your ticket).  Checks must be payable to City of Concord
• Phone: 1-888-455-2792
• In Person at Concord Police Station (35 Green Street, Concord NH 03301)
• Cash;
• Check (payable to City of Concord)
• Credit card (subject to additional 2.79% transaction fee)
  
  Appealing a Parking Ticket:  Appeals are handled by the Concord District Court. You must contact the Parking Division to have a hearing scheduled. Phone: 603-225-8640. Appeals cannot be made on citations that have been paid.

You must leave a parking space (1 and 2 hr meters) when the time limit posted on the meter has been reached. It is illegal to deposit additional coins in the meter after the time limit has been reached. Street meters are intended for short-term parking. The purpose of the time limit is to ensure that parking spaces regularly become available for customers of area businesses and visitors to the area. You may return and deposit coins to increase your stay at the 4 and 10-hour meters.

Don't assume it is a free parking space or you may get a ticket. The best thing to do is move to another meter space or if using a pay by space or pay and display kiosk, utilize another kiosk in the same area. Report the problem to the Parking Division at 603-225-8640.

If you can get to the meter, yes. This may mean going to the end of the block and walking back up the sidewalk.

You may park overnight unless a Parking Ban has been called. Pay special attention during the winter months as this is when the Parking Bans are frequently used. A vehicle is only permitted to be parked for a duration of 48 hrs on any public street before it must be moved.

After 10 days and again at 20 days, you will be charged a delinquent penalty. Should you accumulate five outstanding citations or an amount over one hundred dollars, your vehicle is subject to impoundment. You will have to pay by cash or cashiers check all outstanding fines, including a $100 impoundment fee, prior to your vehicle being released. If your vehicle is booted and you do not pay within 24hrs your vehicle will be towed. You will be responsible for all City charges and any towing company charges and storage fees.

You should contact the Parking Control Division immediately. You may qualify for a payment plan. This is a six-month interest-free payment plan that, as long as you remain current, will keep your vehicle from being impounded. We can only help you BEFORE your vehicle is impounded. After the vehicle is impounded we must collect all outstanding fines and fees before it can be released.

Currently the disabled permit/placard allows you to park without paying. Effective July 1, 2018, time limits will be enforced at all public Walking Disability Parking Spaces (on-street, as well as municipal parking garages and lots) per RSA 265:74 and City Code of Ordinances 18-1-16. You may never park in a designated disabled access aisle, even with a valid disabled plate or placard.

Select Notify Me then subscribe to Winter Maintenance Parking Ban and/or Winter Storm Event Parking Ban under Alert Center.

View the current fine schedule here.

If you believe that your vehicle has been towed during a parking ban:
You may contact the Police Department Parking Division during normal office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 603-225-8640, or during times outside of the normal office hours at 603-225-8600 to make an inquiry.

You will need to come to the Concord Police Department at 35 Green Street with photo identification to obtain a vehicle release form. The release form will provide the towing operator the authorization necessary to release your vehicle. We utilize a rotational list of towing contractors, so information on where to pick up your vehicle will be included with the release forms. You will be required to pay the tow company directly at the time of retrieving your vehicle.

Yes. To pay prior to 9 a.m., you need to add the number of hours you are parking prior to 9 a.m. to the total time you enter into the PyaByPhone parking app. For example, if you park your car at 7 a.m., and wish to remain parked until 11 a.m., you need to enter 4 hours into the app (7 – 9 a.m. = 2 hours + 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. = 2 hours for a total of 4 hours).  The app will only charge you for the time you’re parked after 9 a.m. You can also pay prior to 9 a.m. at the kiosks. 

The PayByPhone website contains some useful information that may help: https://support.paybyphone.com/hc/en-us. 

The PayByPhone app uses a zone number (which determines location) and your license plate to let Parking Enforcement know that you paid.

No. You must enter the zone number where your car is physically located so that Parking Enforcement knows you paid and can locate your vehicle in its corresponding zone.

Contact the Parking Division at 603-225-8640.

Yes you may; however, you may not use the app to purchase additional parking so that you will exceed maximum time limits in the meter zone. Exceeding maximum time limits constitutes meter feeding, which is a violation and subject to ticketing.

1099s are mailed no later than January 31. Should you have any questions on your 1099s, please call 603-225-8560.

Please complete our Address Correction Form here. 

The tax year begins on April 1st and ends on March 31st, following the notice of final tax bill. 

A median ratio (or equalization ratio) is used to modify assessed value of all property assessments by applying the current ratio to a property's assessed value to calculate its fair market value. Total assessed value divided by the median ratio equals market value.

Please see our Tax Rates/Median Ratios page for historical data. 

The New Hampshire Department of Revenue typically sets the tax rate in the late fall.

The City's last municipal-wide valuation update was completed with an April 1, 2021 effective date of value for the 2021 tax year. Prior to 2021, the City completed annual valuation updates dating back to 2004. 

Going forward, the Concord Assessors' office will reassess all real estate within the municipality at (or near) 100% of fair market value at least every five years as required under RSA 75:8-a. Between revaluations, annually the Concord Assessors' office will analyze market sales throughout the City to identify and implement needed value changes to the affected areas or classes of property through the statistical update process. 

The City recently contracted with Vision Government Solutions to complete a municipal-wide full measure and list revaluation for tax year 2026.

A Concord Assessor most commonly visits your property to follow up on one or more of the following reasons:

Correction - Evidence indicates that information pertaining to your property may need to be corrected.

Follow Up  - Following up on a prior visit to obtain the current state of changes that remained unfinished during the previous visit.

Homeowner Request - We are following up on the homeowners request to review the accuracy of our data.

Permit - A building permit was issued on your property.

Cyclical Review - Property inspections are completed on an ongoing basis to verify accuracy of data.

Sale - Review and questions resulting from a recent sale.

For information on tax exemptions and credits, please see our Tax Exemptions/Credits page. 

For information on the City of Concord / Penacook abatement process, please see our Abatements (how to file) page.

For information on the Intent to Cut application process, please see our Timber Tax page.

For information on current use and the application process, please see our Current Use page. 

For information on prorated assessment, please see our Proration Application to Municipality page.

Please contact the Concord Assessors' office and provide us with an explanation of the error. A City assessor will work with your to resolve the issue promptly.

You can get a copy of your deed at Merrimack County Registry of Deeds located at 163 N Main Street, Concord, NH 03301, call (603) 228-0101.

Please contact Payroll at 603-225-8532 or visit them at 41 Green Street between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

W2s are distributed and/or mailed no later than January 31. Should you have any questions on your W2s, please email Payroll or call 603-225-8532.

Unfortunately, we do not have a fax machine available. However, there are several copy shops in downtown Concord which offer fax service.

Yes, we have one typewriter, which is kept in the small study room.  Please check in with the Service Desk if you would like to use the typewriter.

There is one room available for group study.

The Small Study Room: A group study room that can be signed out for 2 hours at a time, once per day. The small study room houses a typewriter and has one table which seats up to 6 people. Conversation is permitted in the small study room. Please inquire at the Service Desk if you would like to sign out the room.

There are various other seating areas throughout the library, and staff does attempt to keep the noise level to a minimum. Please speak with a staff member if you feel that someone is being too loud.

You have several options!

Newsflash: Our city-wide email service! Go to the Notify Me page and sign in with your email address. Then select all the news lists and calendars you’d like to receive.  Newsflash is also a great way to get parking and road closure updates!

Library Newsletter: We send out an email newsletter every month discussing our events.

Social Media: Our Facebook is used for event updates and library news, we've got a Twitter for interesting tweets, and we also have an Instagram for cute pictures of library happenings.

Burbio: With Burbio you can subscribe to a personalized calendar of local nonprofit, city, library and school events.  Burbio is available for Google Calendar and iCal; check out your app store for more Burbio info.

CPL app: The CPL app is available for both Apple and Android users.  Use the app to manage your account, renew items, place holds, check our catalog and more!

The library website is a subsection of the City of Concord's website, which went live on February 14, 2013. Here are some of the features: - Ability to subscribe to NewsFlashes and Calendars (Notify Me) so that events and CPL reviews are delivered to your email inbox - Online forms, including a Purchase Request Form - An online Calendar- a welcome addition to our printable event flyers - Overall expansion, including numerous new pages, which are organized into a new main menu (About Us, Using the Library, etc.) - Improved content - the New Arrivals Page and the Downloadable Books Page are two pages in particular that have updated content and helpful new links - A Help Center, loaded with Frequently Asked Questions We have tried to make the site as intuitive and user-friendly as possible, and we welcome your feedback!

You can log into the Consumer Reports website from our library homepage.

Yes, the property owner or the contractor needs to obtain a Driveway Permit before any work is done on the driveway. For more information, please visit the Engineering Permits & Fees page.

CFD Hardship Application

Please call 603-225-8651 or send an e-mail request to fire@concordnh.gov for a copy of a report. Please have the incident date and location information available. A signed authorization will need to be provided by the patient to obtain any confidential reports.

Patient request for access to protected health information form

Fire report request form

All requests must be requested on the CFD Request for Research form. It explains the process and fees. Research will be done in our electronic files and our archived paper files. Once you have filled out the form, return it to Concord Fire by e-mail at fire@concordnh.gov. An answer on your request will be returned within 2-4 business days.

Structures within Concord and Penacook that are protected by a fire alarm and/or sprinkler system are allowed 2 false alarms during a 12-month period at no charge. A false alarm is defined as an alarm activation or sprinkler activation due to a malfunction. After two false alarms, a charge of $200.00 per occurrence is assessed. After the fifth false alarm, a charge of $395.00 per occurrence is assessed.

Yes. Owners of buildings protected by fire alarm systems need to provide the Fire Department with a contact person who will respond to reset the fire alarm system. A 30-minute response is required after notification. Failure to respond or be contacted, results in an automatic charge of $270.00 per occurrence.

The Assessing Agent is inspecting your property to verify Information listed in the Assessing Departments database and capture all improvements made to your property that affect the value. Means of obtaining and verifying information include both interior and exterior inspections, taking measurements and pictures, reviews, and conversations with property owners.

A Revaluation is the process of performing all of the necessary Market Analysis and Valuation steps to determine accurate and equitable values for all properties within a municipality. The purpose of a Revaluation is not to raise taxes. It is to create an equitable distribution of the property taxes, based on market value, required to meet the needs of local government, schools and the county.

The year 2026 will mark 5 years (2021) since the last city-wide revaluation was conducted in Concord/Penacook. Over time the real estate market changes, thus changing market values. Further, different types of properties will change at different rates (i.e. commercial versus residential). A revaluation will account for changes in market value and provide equity between individual assessments. The State of New Hampshire’s laws require that cities and towns complete a revaluation at least once every five years to bring properties to current market value and distribute an equitable portion of the total tax burden.

The Assessing Department maintains a complete record for each City property. Information is kept current through permit inspections, sales inspections, periodic re-inspections and exterior reviews. The records are available for review both online and during business hours at the assessing office. This information is used to develop the new assessments. 

Market value is determined by the activity in the real estate market and the general economy. The value of each property is based on an analysis of the market data (real estate transfers, etc.) for the year(s) prior to the effective date of the revaluation. Market value generally means the most probable price that a property should bring in a competitive and open market,[LB1] [RJ2]  under all conditions requisite to a fair sale. It is the Assessor’s job to research and analyze the values in any particular area or neighborhood. In effect, they do what a seller would do to determine the selling price when listing a property for sale. Factors that are reviewed for each property include location, size and quality of construction, age and condition of the improvements, site characteristics, zoning restrictions (if any), etc.

In an appreciating market the value of a property is on the rise (increase in value over time). In a depreciating market the value of a property is declining (decrease in value over time). The current real estate market can be described as a sellers’ market as sellers are commanding historically high prices for the real estate they are selling and thus value is increasing. This is confirmed because sale prices are typically higher than list prices, marketing time is very low with some properties selling before being listed on the open market, and the supply or inventory of real estate being depleted.  

The new Revaluation assessments will be announced in the summer of 2026 and finalized prior to the final 2026 property tax bill (December 2026).

No. Please do not use the current tax rate to estimate the tax bill. An increase in property value does not necessarily result in an increase in a tax bill.

No. The new assessment will not reflect any exemptions and/or credits. It will include current use assessment valuations for properties enrolled in current use. Adjustments for exemptions and/or credits will be applied to the tax bill of qualifying property owners.

Any taxpayer who believes their new assessment exceeds fair market value or is disproportionately assessed may file an abatement in accordance with RSA 76:16 after receiving their final 2026 tax bill and no later than March 1, 2027.

No. The City, School or County will not receive any additional revenue from any revaluation or other property value update. By bringing property assessment to fair market value, a revaluation results in an equitable redistribution of each property’s portion of the amount needed to be raised by taxes.

The current Concord Police Station at 35 Green Street was built in 1974, occupied in 1975, and was expanded in the 1985 with the addition of a third floor.  In the 50 years since the 1970 census, Concord’s population has grown by almost 14,000 citizens and the size of the police force has grown by 50%. Calls for service have also increased by 112%.  The current 20,000 square foot building is not only too small, but has some functional challenges for a modern-day police department.

Recognizing the need for a new building, City Council authorized the purchase of the former Concord Group Insurance building on Bouton Street, at the intersection of North Main and North State streets, when the opportunity arose in 2024.  This building is centrally located and when renovated will have sufficient space for our police department for decades to come.

The City plans to renovate the Bouton Street property to meet the needs of our 21^st Century police force.  Specifically, the issues to be addressed include but are not limited to:

• Safety issues related to prisoner entry, booking and holding
• Evidence handling, storage and retention
• Training and vehicle maintenance space
• Upgraded communication and dispatch technology
• Overall work environment improvements (HVAC and lighting)
• Dedicated spaces for specialized units, including the computer crimes unit

Some new construction will be needed, but the intention is to preserve the mid-century modern architectural look of a building which has been a prominent neighborhood fixture for more than 60 years.

Funds are allocated in the FY 28 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to renovate the building.  Returning off-site departments to the municipal complex at 35-41 Green Street will alleviate the ongoing cost of leased space and provide universal access to all citizens and staff who may need it.  The critical elements of the building have been well maintained over the years and centralizing various operations on Green Street also has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

The City is working with Milestone Construction, LLC of Concord as the construction manager.  Milestone has experience in similar projects and has been a reliable partner for many years.  

Design services will be provided by Harriman Architecture and Design’s project team based in Portsmouth.  The Harriman team, along with their national public safety expert, has designed a number of New England police and public safety facilities.

Both vendors were selected from a large pool of interested firms and went through a rigorous competitive procurement process.  The City understands the impact this project will have on the community, so every effort will be made to utilize local subcontractors and vendors where appropriate.

The City understands the architectural significance of this unique property.  Every effort will be made to retain the classic elements of the structure that are valued by the community.  As such, we are pleased to be working with Harriman as they designed the original building in 1958.

A firm budget for the project is currently in progress and will be presented to City Council at the October 14, 2025 meeting.  In July 2025, City Council was presented with an anticipated cost around $41,000,000.

The City purchased the building in 2024 and is maintaining it in a hibernated state.  Design work has started and we are currently at 60% design development. Interior demolition of the building has started, and will continue through the fall and winter.   We hope to be starting construction in spring 2026 with completion scheduled for fall 2027.

Developing a once-in-a-generation project while being frugal with tax dollars will be the biggest challenge.  Meeting new seismic requirements and merging new and existing construction on a tight site will require extraordinary planning, execution, and care.  We are confident that with the talented project team we have drawn together we will deliver a building that the community will be proud of for decades to come.

In addition to meeting the specific needs of our police force, we anticipate that a new facility will also promote the training, recruitment, and retention goals of the department.  With thoughtfully designed spaces including a welcoming lobby, a convenient records area, and meeting spaces that are inviting and accessible will add value to this project.  Planned improvement such as this will allow residents to easily and privately file reports, speak with officers, and access important personal information.  We hope to involve and engage local school students in the design and construction process. The project team is also looking to design the building to be as energy efficient as possible. 

Visit the project webpage for more information and project updates.