The board discussed the necessity of proactive outreach to educate residents about their tax records. By encouraging residents to review their record cards and contact the board with questions, the assessors aim to reduce the number of inquiries and confusion. This strategy aims to inform taxpayers before bills are issued, minimizing potential misunderstandings and dissatisfaction. The board emphasized the importance of ensuring that signatures on necessary documents, like those associated with tax exemptions, were obtained promptly and suggested improved communication with the town manager.

A significant topic of discussion was the handling of the senior means-tested exemption. The board reported the approval of six applications, totaling $16,380 in exemptions, but noted the limited application timeframe may have restricted participation. With only eight applicants the previous year, the board hopes to increase awareness and participation going forward. They discussed the need to clarify eligibility criteria, particularly concerning the circuit breaker requirement, which ties the exemption to income tax returns. The board acknowledged the challenge of ensuring applicants feel comfortable disclosing income information necessary for eligibility verification.

On the financial planning front, the board deliberated over budgetary considerations, focusing on the overlay account used to cover tax abatements and exemptions. With a significant transfer of $1.3 million into the overlay account due to increased abatement requests, there was consensus that the previous budget of $175,000 may be insufficient. The board discussed a cautious approach to setting the new growth estimate at $400,000, reflecting uncertainty in new developments. The need for careful financial planning was stressed, with emphasis on ensuring residents can access available tax reliefs without confusion.

Addressing the inspection and assessment process, the board highlighted the challenges of conducting accurate property assessments, particularly for commercial properties. They noted the need for contracted services and expert appraisals, acknowledging that 91% of the town’s properties are residential while emphasizing the importance of developing expertise for commercial assessments. The board discussed the necessity of cyclical inspections to verify property data and the complications that arise when homeowners do not cooperate, potentially affecting the accuracy of assessments.

The board also explored the implications of functional and economic obsolescence on property values, noting the need for consistent application in assessments. They identified 358 properties requiring review due to potential inconsistencies, with specific cases like properties with steep driveways highlighted as affecting accessibility and safety.

Technological advancements were briefly addressed, with discussions on integrating mapping software and programs like Data Scout for real-time updates. The board plans to provide weekly updates on abatement requests, facilitating better oversight and communication among members.