A key topic of the meeting was the revision of property valuation criteria. The board is working towards a comprehensive and uniform property assessment system that reflects various factors such as the proximity to main roads and conservation areas. They plan to discuss these criteria further in a meeting set for May 6th. The board also considered the classification of properties, including second homes and apartments, and the valuation of properties on fire roads. Ensuring accurate land schedules and valuation adjustments for different types of properties was another focus, with the aim of maintaining uniformity across the board.

The meeting also addressed the challenges of managing abatement applications. There was an acknowledgment of missing abatement applications and a recognized need for a better tracking system. The lack of a sign-out card system for files taken out of the office was noted as an issue, alongside the necessity to improve communication with residents, especially regarding confusion about tax bills due to three preliminary quarters.

Furthermore, the board discussed the responsibility for vehicle abatements, clarifying that the state, not the board, is responsible for generating the Vehicle Excise Tax and setting the value of vehicles. They approved an abatement total of $8,672,195, and discussed the volume of work related to property assessments, emphasizing the “always big” first and second commitment of the year.

The confusion and lack of clarity surrounding changes to exemption amounts and types were also debated. The board discussed the income limitations for single and married persons, asset limitations, and the proposal to increase the exemption to $1,000. There was also a discussion on the adoption of 41d exemption, which allows for annual cost-of-living adjustments and its implications on income and asset limitations. Further clarification and additional meetings with the attorney for the Department of Revenue were deemed necessary to fully understand the implications of the proposed changes.

Invoices and bills were another point of discussion, with the board reviewing and debating several invoices, including those for the classification hearing, site index, and motor vehicle excise commitment numbers. They also reviewed the invoices from Vision Government Solutions, expressing the need to accurately reflect the services provided in the meeting minutes.

The use of technology and tools was highlighted as the assessors discussed their use of Nearmap for property verification and the introduction of door hangers for property inspections. They also mentioned working on growth and exemptions.

Other topics included the need for better communication and the improvement of meeting minutes, the availability of revaluation books for public reference, and website improvements to support the accessibility and usability of support documents.

They expressed a willingness to address issues in a strategic and organized manner and acknowledged the need for ongoing monitoring and adjustments.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the schedule for future meetings and the preparation for the upcoming town meeting. There was a consensus on the importance of addressing applications for abatement or exemption in an executive session, as prescribed by Massachusetts law.