Mantle

Paid property taxes today.  The town has installed a lock box to the front of the building.  It was put up for companies to submit bids on roadwork/building but residents can also pay taxes that way.   I would have used it this year except for two things.  (1)  I still had to include a self addressed stamped envelope for the return of the receipt and the dog tag.  Wasn't sure if the added weight of the tag and it's 'S' connector would require more postage.  Plus the return envelope would be 'lumpy'.  (2) I'd sent a 'lumpy' Christmas card to Cousin Ted this year.  Had gone to the post office window to make sure the Post Mistress thought it would go through the system OK and that the postage was correct.  However, Ted had texted me wishing me a Merry Christmas and when I asked what he thought of my card, he hadn't received it.  So decided it was just as easy to bop down to the Town Hall this morning during the hours the Treasurer had said she would be available to accept property taxes in person.  First I picked up a coffee and made sure I brought my phone.  I arrived maybe five minutes after the posted hours and there were three people ahead of me.  Sat down at the table and amused myself playing Words With Friends.  Another man walked in and said it was disgusting to have to wait in line to pay and left.  I thought about the Treasurer's safety.  Other years I'd heard people complaining about their taxes to her (Open Book w/ the Assessor or the Board of Review handle tax complaints) and, from working elections, I know people can become overwrought in the moment.  Of course, I also know where all of the cans of bear spray (there are multiple) are stashed in the office the Treasurer was using.