Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join the TDPC? 

  1. Pay much less than you’d pay to hire a plower by the storm.
  2. Ensure service that will happen if you are away or sick.
  3. Support an efficient, energy-saving service.
  4. Support the Temple tradition of community driveway plowing.

How did the TDPC get started?

During World War II, Temple started plowing residents’ drives as a goodwill gesture to all those who were serving during the war. This continued after the war until 2011 when the State told the Town that that such services were not allowed. In response, a group of residents formed the Temple Driveway Plowing Cooperative. 

How do I know what it will cost me to join? 

The annual fee is expressed as $X per $1000 of the Town of Temple’s assessment of the property. (Note that there is a surcharge after 1 October and a $50 penalty if you join after the storm starts.)

What does this phrase mean: “$X per $1,000 of assessment”?

Your property tax is based on the value the Town of Temple has assigned to your property, which is called the “assessed value.” The tax rate is expressed as a specific rate in dollars for each $1,000 of the assessed value of the property. The TDPC uses the same method for its fees. The formula $1 per $1,000 of assessed value equals 1% of the assessed value.

Why is the TDPC fee based on assessed value? 

This is how the Town of Temple paid for the decades when driveway plowing was done by the Town. The TDPC uses the town procedures and policies as far as possible.

What has been the average cost in recent years?

The efficiency of a cooperative results in fees below commercial rates. Over the nine years that the Co-op has existed, the average fee for a winter’s plowing has been $0.98 per thousand of the town’s assessment of the property. This means that fees have averaged as follows, based on the assessment: 200K property--$196 per year, 300K property--$294 per year, 400K property--$392 per year. This for an average of 8 storms per season over nine years of the Co-op’s operation. 

How are the fees set?

The Board sets the price for plowing every year in April. The rate can vary from year to year based upon how many times we plowed during the prior plow year and any resulting surplus. Please see the Standards and Terms of Service for information on how the TDPC operates.

My neighbor’s driveway is twice as long as mine. Shouldn’t he pay twice as much?

The time needed and thus the cost to plow a driveway is impacted by many factors, including length, smoothness of surface, curves or turns, slope, and especially, a good location to discard snow. This is why TDPC decided to use the same method of charging as the town did -- property assessment.

I rent a single family home. May I join TDPC?

Yes. Either an owner or a renter may join.

I have a business with a driveway. Can the business join?

Yes, several Temple businesses and nonprofit organizations are members.

Can I wait until later in the season to join? 

Sure, but after October 1, the fees go up. And if you wait until it snows, there is a $50 surcharge and your driveway won’t be plowed until you pay.

Do I get a refund if we have fewer storms this winter?

No, but if this happens, the Annual Plowing Fee for next year will be lower. Any excess fees from this winter will be carried over and used to reduce next year’s fees.

What is a “cooperative”?

A cooperative is a form of non-profit organization under New Hampshire law (RSA 301-A). It allows members to join together to get a service for their benefit rather than for the profit of shareholders. (Credit Unions are also cooperatives.)

How much are the Directors getting paid? 

Zero. They are all volunteers.

Do the Directors have to pay for plowing their driveways? 

Yes. Directors must pay the same fees as other members.

Does the Plow Manager get paid for coordinating the plowing?

No, he is only paid for plowing.