NEWPORT — Town Clerk Lee Dufort told the Selectboard this week that in her 15 years in the position she could “count on one hand” that number of times someone who was unhoused or otherwise did not have a permanent address wanted to register a vehicle.
But since October, Dufort said, at least half dozen people experiencing those circumstances have wanted to register a vehicle, which requires proof of residency under state law. The individuals are living in their vehicles or perhaps a campground, neither of which qualify as an address, Dufort said.
“Many work and have money but are living in their car and are desperate to figure out how to register their vehicle,” Dufort told the Newport Selectboard on Monday. “I have never seen this many and it will probably grow.”
The town’s attorney, Shawn Tanguay of DrummondWoodsum in Manchester, suggested using the address of a social services agency, but failing that, he recommended using the town office address. Since the town provides welfare assistance as the law requires, it “does serve as a social service agency to a degree,” according to Tanguay’s response to Dufort’s questions that she shared with the Selectboard.
But neither option has gained much traction.
Dufort wrote to Tanguay that she has seen “reluctance” from social service agencies to provide an address due to liability concerns. Newport has not found an agency willing to work with the town, Dufort told the Selectboard.
Tanguay dismissed the liability concerns.
“I cannot see how the mere provision of a mailing address would invoke any legal obligation or responsibility of the organization,” he wrote.
Any use of the vehicle resulting from “some form of harm” would be the liability of the owner or operator, Tanguay said.
Board members also voiced opposition to using the town offices as an address. Members said they saw only legal and procedural pitfalls.
“Morally, I understand and want to help people who are struggling,” Selectboard Chairwoman Rachel Dilger said.
However, she pointed to several things “that procedurally are very difficult and potential loopholes we would be getting ourselves into.”
For example, she worried that using town offices as an address could invite abuse from people not living in town and would allow them to register to vote and apply for assistance.
Dilger said it would not be possible for the town to verify if a person actually intends to live in Newport, whereas with a social service agency, such as a soup kitchen or local church, usually knows more about their clientele’s lives.
“This could spiral out of control,” Dilger said. “For me there is a lot of concern. What sort of stuff will this open us up to. I think it would be better for a state-level solution.”
Additionally, Dilger and Selectboard member Jeff Kessler pointed out that the town is a municipal organization, not a social service agency or a qualified nonprofit, as defined by state law that Tanguay referenced.
“While we provide social services, that is not the primary goal of the town,” Dilger said. “We are a municipal organization, not a social services organization.”
Board member Jim Burroughs said he wants a solution, but the town is not it.
“The onus is on them to find an address,” Burroughs said.
How the town will proceed is uncertain at this point. Dufort was not in the office Wednesday, but her office said they will continue to search for a solution.
Claremont City Clerk Gwenn Melcher said they see similar situations, but most times the individual is able to use the address of someone they know to satisfy the registration requirements for the year.
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
