The board expressed collective dissatisfaction with the recurring delays in receiving reports necessary for property assessment cycles. Reports dated from August were not delivered in a timely manner, causing mounting pressures as deadlines for assessments approached. One board member voiced their frustration, questioning the accountability of the software provider and noting that similar problems persist across multiple assessment cycles.

The software delays have compounded the challenges faced by the board, particularly concerning the submission of the LA3 form. This form is critical for assessing property values based on sales data from the previous calendar year. The board noted that if sufficient sales data was unavailable for a particular class, they would have to revert to data from the previous year, thus extending the timeline for completing the assessment process. The board aimed to schedule a classification hearing for late November or early December, although securing a quorum for these dates was a concern.

In addition to the software issues, there was also confusion regarding the clarity and completeness of the reports provided by Vision. The board members stressed the need for clearer report titles and emphasized the importance of pushing Vision to rectify these issues, as the current system was causing delays and frustration.

Furthermore, the board highlighted the necessity of improving coordination in data sharing and reporting mechanisms to ensure all members received timely and relevant information. Technical issues with data organization were discussed at length, with one board member detailing difficulties in sorting spreadsheets due to formatting issues. They pointed out that the file needed to be in CSV format for easier sorting, highlighting the need for better communication with the software provider to resolve these issues.

Another topic during the meeting was the board’s efforts to refine the criteria for tax exemptions, particularly those related to Chapter 18, which assists individuals facing financial hardships in paying their taxes. The board acknowledged the absence of set guidelines in many towns due to a lack of applicants and discussed the importance of establishing clear criteria before reviewing any applications.

The conversation also touched upon the need to adjust income limits for the 41A warrant, which is set to be discussed at the upcoming town meeting. The board deliberated on the potential to increase the upper income limit from the current $20,000 to a figure tied to the circuit breaker. Concerns were raised about the potential exclusion of individuals filing as head of household due to these changes, and the board committed to seeking further clarification from legal counsel.

In terms of property assessments, the board discussed interim adjustments and the necessity of a thorough analysis of neighborhood data. It was emphasized that every house and neighborhood needed to be examined to identify any significant discrepancies in property value increases. The board also addressed a cost issue related to chapter land, expressing a preference for resolving such issues promptly rather than delaying them.

The meeting also included discussions about the potential release of chapter land and the requirement for the board to prepare rollback taxes as the process progressed. A purchase and sale agreement had been submitted to the select board for first right of refusal on a property previously under chapter land, but the board needed more information before taking action.

Lastly, the board explored the possibility of upgrading GIS mapping software, although budget constraints meant that this could not occur until fiscal year 2027. They discussed the potential benefits of the upgrade, including more frequent and accurate updates to property record cards. The board acknowledged the importance of comparing different vendors before making a decision, emphasizing a thorough evaluation of functionalities offered.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the need for a code of conduct for board members, emphasizing transparency, ethical behavior, and accountability. The board expressed a desire to adopt such guidelines for future reference and onboarding of new members.