10:06The board’s discussion on the revised property inspection contract with Vision Appraisal took center stage. A update to the contract included a $500 credit for mailings, as the assessing department had assumed responsibility for this task. This change was part of a broader effort to manage the department’s tight budget more effectively. The revised contract also outlined updates to the inspection timetable, noting that inspections would resume on May 12th, with a target of 500 inspections to be completed by June 30th. As of the meeting, only 112 inspections had been completed, raising concerns about meeting the deadline.

07:22The board emphasized the importance of handling inspection requests thoroughly and efficiently. If residents declined an inspection, their properties would be omitted from the count. A specific incident was cited where a resident’s last-minute communication resulted in dissatisfaction, highlighting the need for timely scheduling and communication. Questions regarding the number of residences measured and the significance of instances where inspectors met residents at the door but did not conduct full inspections were addressed. Concerns were raised about the high percentage of such cases.

19:13In addition to the contract updates, the board discussed the handling of chapter land applications for the fiscal year 2026. Several properties had not submitted their applications, despite receiving two notification letters. Approval was sought to revert these properties to full value due to non-compliance. Failure to do so could result in losing chapter land benefits, which grant reduced tax rates in exchange for maintaining the land in specific ways, such as forestry, agriculture, or recreation.

28:36The board also considered the implications of the newly approved battery energy storage facility planned for a property on Lemonster Shirley Road. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on property values and local assessments, although the town’s involvement was limited since the state authorities primarily handle such approvals. This facility, located near an existing vacant office building, highlights the evolving landscape of local commercial development.

52:01Another topic was the assessment of waterfront properties, where the board expressed a desire to move away from terms like “average” and “below average” in favor of more descriptive categorizations. The term “waterfront” was suggested to encompass properties not necessarily located on lakes.

56:53Additionally, the meeting addressed the necessity for a systematic approach to neighborhood assessments, with a focus on addressing discrepancies in current classifications. It was noted that many neighborhoods had not been updated in over two decades, leading to properties being broadly categorized without recognizing significant differences among them. The board acknowledged the need for a visual representation of data and collaborative efforts to ensure assessments accurately reflect property characteristics.

01:20:52The board’s efforts to improve outreach and awareness regarding property tax deferrals under clause 41A were also discussed. A package is being developed to provide comprehensive information to both the board and the community. The conversation highlighted the importance of a management system to oversee the activities related to these programs.