A major focus of the meeting was the updated solar exemption law under Chapter 59, Section 45, which now requires assessors to grant tax exemptions for solar installations rather than automatically exempting them. This legislative change demands that assessors determine which solar installations produce more than 125% of a property’s annual electricity needs—a task that the board deemed excessively burdensome. The impracticality of measuring individual households’ solar production was a primary concern, as it could necessitate additional staffing to manage the exemption process effectively.

To address these challenges, the board decided to continue exempting all residential solar installations without individual assessments. They referenced guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, which provided a framework to document these exemptions. A vote was taken to approve a collective exemption for fiscal years 2023 through 2026, allowing for a streamlined process that circumvents the complexities of calculating each installation’s output. The approval grants a 20-year exemption for installations listed in an attached exhibit, despite one member expressing reservations about ensuring every installation remains below the production threshold.

The discussion also brought attention to legal issues surrounding solar panels, including cases where homeowners faced lawsuits from solar companies for non-functional systems. The board acknowledged the potential for public confusion and dissatisfaction, especially given the negative publicity solar energy has recently attracted.

Another topic was the anticipated tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year, with a projected figure of 1943. Although the assessors expressed confidence in this estimate, they emphasized that it should remain confidential until officially certified. The certification process involves an upcoming tax classification hearing, scheduled for November 13, where the town council will decide whether to adopt a single tax rate. Once the hearing concludes, the assessors will regroup to submit the necessary documentation to the state for validation. The municipal finance director is tasked with compiling the required figures, a process that typically garners feedback within a week, although additional documentation might be needed.

The meeting also touched on a comparison of East Longmeadow’s tax rate with those of neighboring towns. While East Longmeadow’s rate appears higher than Longmeadow’s, it remains lower than several other towns. The assessors approached these comparisons cautiously, recognizing that official certifications and data processing in other towns were still pending.

In addition to these topics, the board reviewed property valuation trends, noting sporadic values for recently sold properties. A notable observation was that newer homes, built in 2016 and 2017, were capturing market value more effectively than older homes, which have depreciated. One property, sold as-is with a rehab loan, drew particular attention due to its previously undisclosed condition.

Building permits also featured prominently in the meeting, with several applications noted for September. This included an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) classified as a major addition rather than a detached unit, sparking a discussion on the planning process for detached ADUs and the necessity of special permits for such constructions. The board expressed concern over the lack of new home or condo permits, noting the potential implications for growth metrics.

Director of Assessing, Diane Bishop, provided updates on various procedural matters, including software issues with the fiscal 2026 boat excise commitment and upcoming deadlines for fiscal 2027 chapter land applications. Bishop reminded the board of statutory exemptions for veterans, blind individuals, and those over 70, highlighting an increase in exemption amounts recently approved by the town council. She also noted the upcoming tax classification hearing and the importance of verifying the draft packet for errors or omissions.