The board’s discussion on the tax classification hearing with the Town Council was a central topic. A decrease in tax rates by six cents per thousand was announced, which will be communicated to the public via a press release in the Reminder and on the town’s digital platforms. The board completed the legal file transfer to the tax collector, ensuring that tax bills are mailed before the January 1 deadline, with payments due by February 3 due to the weekend timing. The board’s efforts to provide updated fiscal 25 property record cards online were also noted, giving public access to property information in an easy-to-navigate Excel format.

Another topic was the review of the fiscal 25 real estate warrant, amounting to $50,749.81, alongside a CPA warrant of $395,900. These financial figures are part of the overall fiscal strategy to prepare for the new tax year. The director confirmed that the tax recap was approved by the Department of Revenue, with a tax rate set at $18.48. This approval is important for shaping the local economic landscape and ensuring the timely distribution of tax bills.

The meeting then delved into the current real estate market, noting a slowdown in property sales. The board observed inconsistent assessment sale ratios for November, attributed to a decrease in available homes and prolonged market times for existing listings. With only 20 properties on the market, about half had been listed for several months. This slowdown was underscored by a surprising discrepancy in sale prices among similar homes, prompting a board member to comment on the “amazing” differences in property values within the same area.

Building permits were another area of focus, with reports of new commercial developments and residential constructions. The board discussed a new three-story climate-controlled storage facility, raising questions about the area’s future development potential. The addition of three commercial constructions and one single-family home brought the total number of new permits to 25 for the year. These developments, including a tax-exempt building owned by the Center for Human Development, are significant contributors to the town’s growth.

The board also addressed the Chapter 61 and 61B applications, which involve tax incentives for land preserved from development. A new applicant, the Goldstein family, was noted for placing their property in Chapter 61 for forest management, triggering the involvement of a state forester to evaluate eligibility. The program provides tax discounts over a ten-year period, promoting land conservation. Discussions hinted at possible future development plans for the property, although no concrete intentions were confirmed.

The meeting covered additional financial topics, such as motor vehicle excise commitments and abatements, with the sixth commitment for the year at $4,255.19 and reports of abatements totaling $5,000 for November. The board reviewed notices of accounts for November and December, amounting to $4,981.65 and $53,401.52, respectively. These figures are integral to the board’s ongoing financial management and planning.

As the meeting concluded, discussions shifted to administrative details, including the downsizing of the Assessor’s notice to an 8.5 by 11 format for public posting. The board also prepared fiscal year 26 forms, including the necessary documentation for businesses with personal property in town. This preparation ensures compliance with local tax regulations and supports the town’s fiscal responsibilities.