Lunenburg Board of Assessors Tackles Property Valuation and Abatement Issues

Overview: The Lunenburg Board of Assessors’ recent meeting covered a range of issues, from the adoption of new property valuation criteria to challenges in managing abatement applications and the need for clarity on exemption changes. The board engaged in discussions about the revision of property valuation criteria, aiming for a fair and consistent system, while also tackling the management of abatement applications and the potential adoption of 41d exemption for cost-of-living adjustments.

Fall River Board of Assessors Discusses Abatements and Exemptions

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Fall River Board of Assessors, members voted on a series of property abatements and statutory exemptions, which are of particular interest as they directly affect the city’s revenue and taxpayers. The board approved several abatements and exemptions and denied a few others.

Newbury Board of Assessors Approves Abatements and Sets Next Meeting

Overview: During the recent Newbury Board of Assessors meeting, the board approved a series of property abatements, tidying up financial records from 2012 to 2023. The board also set the tentative date for the next meeting and discussed further abatements in an executive session.

Whately Board of Assessors Considers Hiring Consultant Amidst Staffing Challenges

Overview: The Whately Board of Assessors is facing a challenge in staffing, which was the primary focus of their recent meeting. The difficulty in filling the assistant assessor position has led the board to consider hiring a consultant, potentially initiating a 13% budget increase for the upcoming fiscal year. Among the six applicants interviewed for the assistant assessor role, five have declined the offer, leaving only one candidate who lacks sufficient experience in real estate and assessing. The board is now leaning towards employing the services of RRG, a consultant from Leominster, MA, who currently holds contracts with around 30 other communities in the state.

Lunenburg Board Examines Property Tax Exemption Revisions

Overview: The Lunenburg Board of Assessors recently convened to address several issues, with the most critical being the potential revisions to property tax exemptions under Clause 41c. The meeting revealed that the last update to these exemptions was in 2007, prompting a discussion on the need for clearer and updated income and asset limitations for eligible single and married individuals. The Board identified the current income limits for single persons at $31,500 and for married couples at $39,600, with asset limitations at $52,700 for single persons and $72,700 for married couples. These figures sparked a debate on consistency, clarity, and the implications of potential changes for the upcoming town meeting.