A central issue discussed was the ongoing complications with the Munis software system, which has been causing billing process disruptions. The principal assessor reported that a consultant, Randy Mercier, was working remotely to resolve these issues. The complications involved personal property files requiring a “bridge” to ensure accurate data transfer. Although the billing files for real estate and personal property matched submissions to the Department of Revenue, further verification was deemed necessary once the information was uploaded to Munis. The board expressed concern over how these technical hiccups might affect the tax rates and assured that sampling and verification of tax bills would be conducted before mailing. Communication with the town manager was emphasized to address these problems without causing undue alarm to citizens.

Another topic was the discussion surrounding the lack of participation in certain tax exemption programs, notably the 41A and 17 exemptions. It was noted that nobody was using the 41A exemption, and the 17 exemptions had seen minimal usage. Board members expressed a desire to increase awareness and participation in these programs. Plans were made to review the exemptions in an upcoming executive session to align them with new income and asset parameters for 2025. The discussion also touched on implementing cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and the timeline for these changes.

Communication and collaboration issues within the board were also a focal point of the meeting. Tensions arose over the management of projects and adherence to agreed-upon protocols. A member defended their actions regarding the drafting of a warrant article, clarifying that they had worked on it openly to meet a submission deadline. However, this led to further debate about the effectiveness of communication and trust within the team. Some members expressed frustration over last-minute changes to presentations and a lack of adherence to project timelines, which they felt undermined the board’s credibility.

These tensions were compounded by disagreements over the introduction of unrelated topics during presentations and the need for input from all board members before finalizing decisions. The board recognized the necessity of improved communication practices and transparency to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that all members felt their contributions were valued. This acknowledgment of internal conflict highlighted the importance of collective agreement and collaboration in maintaining the board’s efficiency and credibility.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the upcoming assessor conference scheduled for February 3rd and the need for additional speakers to enhance the event’s effectiveness. Discussions also involved the appointment of a new Director of Assessing, with one member highlighting the capabilities of a person referred to as Carter.