Southwick Prepares for Director of Assessment Retirement with Strategic Hiring Discussions

Overview: During the recent Southwick Board of Assessors meeting, the board discussed the impending retirement of Sue Gore, the Director of Assessment, set to occur in about nine months. The conversation centered on the challenges and strategies for finding a suitable replacement. The board members expressed a preference for promoting from within the town, emphasizing the benefits of internal promotions for morale and budget considerations.

Fall River Board of Assessors Approves Largest Motor Vehicle Commitment, Reflecting Economic Growth

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Fall River Board of Assessors approved the largest motor vehicle commitment to date, showing an increase of $500,000 over the previous year.

East Longmeadow Board of Assessors Considers Increased Exemptions for Disabled Veterans

Overview: In a recent East Longmeadow Board of Assessors meeting, discussions focused on potentially increasing exemptions for disabled veterans, alongside updates on tax assessments and property reports. The members deliberated on the implications of new state legislation allowing for higher exemptions, which could impact local veterans’ financial responsibilities.

Whately Board of Assessors Grapples with HERO Act Exemptions and Property Assessment Challenges

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Whately Board of Assessors delved into the complexities of the HERO Act, which offers tax exemptions to veterans and individuals with disabilities. The board faced challenges in understanding how this new legislation would integrate with existing tax exemptions and the implications for the town’s fiscal policies. Additionally, the board addressed discrepancies in property assessments and the need for transparency in property data access, highlighting ongoing efforts to refine assessment methodologies and engage the community in understanding tax processes.

Dighton Board of Assessors Stresses Firm Deadline for Brook Street Solar Pilot Agreement

Overview: The Dighton Board of Assessors meeting on January 15, 2025, emphasized the importance of finalizing the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the Brook Street solar project. The board’s chair addressed concerns regarding repeated delays and underscored the necessity of securing a commitment by March 1 to avoid further postponements at the upcoming town meeting in June. It was made clear that the draft agreement from the previous fall would stand unchanged, and the selectmen would be approached to place the item on the warrant once commitment is confirmed.