BOARD OF ASSESSORS
AUGUST 15, 2005
Chairman Robert Gagne called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Councilors present included Suzanne Roberge, Richard Clough, and Michelle Kareckas. Town Manager Jeffrey A. Grossman was also in attendance. Norma Tutelian was not present.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Mrs. Kareckas made a motion to accept the suggested tax rate of 13.30 and sign the commitment for fiscal year 2006. Ms. Roberge seconded the motion for discussion.
Mr. Clough expressed his concerns that the commitment was not correct and was not in favor of signing it. He added that he did not want to delay sending out the tax bills, but was not comfortable with issuing them based on an inaccurate commitment.
Mr. Grossman stated that to the best of his knowledge it is accurate at this time. He added that the figures left by Municipal Resources Inc. seem to be low; the valuation may be $5-$6 million higher than shown. Without an assessing agent the numbers cannot be properly verified. Once an agent is hired the numbers will be reviewed and supplemental tax bills may have to be issued.
Mrs. Kareckas questioned whether inaccuracies in the commitment affected the tax rate. Mr. Grossman responded by stating that the suspected inaccuracies in the commitment don’t have a direct effect on the rate. However, if supplemental bills are required, the projected amount of taxes to be collected would increase and create more of an overlay. Mr. Grossman stressed that stability in the undesignated fund, tax rate, and overlay will help with a bond rating; and that the undesignated fund balance does not fall under the restrictions of LD1.
Ms. Roberge stated that she was uncomfortable with the commitment but it can’t be put off. Errors in the assessing process need to be corrected and kept on top of.
Motion to set the rate at 13.30 and sign the commitment passed with a 3-1 vote, (Mr. Clough) opposed.
In response to questions by Mr. Clough, Mr. Grossman stated that a new assessing agent will be first charged with reviewing the commitment and making necessary corrections. The agent will also need to look into new software.
Mr. Clough also questioned the receipt of payment for a supplemental tax bill that had not yet been issued. Beverly Hasty, Deputy Tax Collector, explained that the property owner sent payment in anticipation of the bill. She added that by Town Meeting vote, the Tax Collector is authorized to collect taxes not yet assessed. [A vote was taken August 8th to issue a supplemental for withdrawal from tree growth]
On a motion by Ms. Roberge, seconded by Mr. Clough, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:40pm.
Attest:
Barbara Bennett, CCM
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