The meeting also addressed the logistics of property inspections, particularly new constructions, with board members debating their involvement in the inspection process. The need for a balance between following established guidelines and incorporating experiential knowledge was emphasized. Some members expressed a desire to participate in inspections, citing their real estate experience as beneficial. However, there were concerns about overwhelming homeowners and the importance of maintaining consistent assessment standards.

In addition to document and inspection processes, the board discussed the valuation and assessment of properties, including greenhouses and garages. It was noted that there was a previous report on greenhouses, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluations of structures that may not be currently taxed. The board recognized the abundance of available reports and the necessity of analyzing this data to identify overlooked properties. There was a call for a “read-only” access system to review data without risking inadvertent changes.

A more efficient document management strategy was also proposed. This would enhance collaboration and ensure all members are aware of updates. The board discussed using software tools like Word and Excel to streamline document handling, particularly in tracking changes and merging spreadsheets for property assessments.

The meeting included discussions on the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and the importance of clear communication with town residents. The board agreed on the necessity of a more informative web page outlining the different types of inspections conducted by assessors. This initiative aimed to promote transparency and fairness in the assessment process.

Several board members highlighted the need to clarify misconceptions about the assessors’ role in tax collection. An incident was recounted where residents mistakenly believed assessors were involved in tax collection.