The misvaluation issue, identified as a munis error, prompted extensive conversation among board members. The error, which affected the valuation of properties with exemptions, resulted in the necessity to send corrected bills to impacted individuals. Acknowledging the confusion and frustration caused by this error, board members recognized the need for a prompt resolution. The Principal Assessor explained the discrepancies between the Vision and munis systems and outlined efforts to rectify the issue. The board’s consensus was to address the error swiftly to mitigate any negative effects on the residents.

The creation of a committee to assess the value of various neighborhoods within the town was another focal point of the meeting. The board deliberated on the committee’s composition, suggesting the inclusion of a citizen at large, a representative for the lakes, an active realtor, and the role of the lead assessor. They also debated the number of neighborhoods to be considered, aiming for 8 to 10 neighborhoods with 400 to 1,200 parcels each. The board highlighted the challenges in determining the appropriate number and structure of neighborhoods, taking into account housing turnover and the presence of condominiums. The timeline for the committee’s work was set at 8 to 10 weeks, although members expressed concerns about potential conflicts with personal schedules.

On the topic of the assessing calendar, there was a preference for a calendar that would be prominently displayed in both the assessor’s office and on the town’s website. The calendar would incorporate specific dates and events, such as abatement deadlines and exemption form distributions, and there was debate over whether to use a calendar developed by the town manager or modify it independently.

The board moved on to discuss the criteria for eligibility for deferrals and exemptions, with a particular focus on the Cola exemption for the elderly and the 41A deferral piece. They stressed the need to review all exemptions and deferrals to gain a clear understanding of the mechanics and criteria involved. The potential resignation of a board member was also mentioned, although further details were not provided.

The rollout and restructuring of the town website emerged as a prominent agenda item. Board members engaged in thorough debates on how to best organize the website to make it less overwhelming and more accessible for citizens. They discussed categorizing various items such as agendas, minutes, forms, recent news, and tax rate information, and the inclusion of a new section dedicated to resources, abatements, exemptions, and deferrals. There was also a mention of the need to send a flowchart to someone named Adam regarding open meeting laws.

The importance of sharing topics with the public and not just through email was emphasized, with the board advocating for collective decision-making in public settings. They discussed the need for a policy for timely responses to requests for signatures and the investigation of properties with a site index of zero to correct any discrepancies in values. Lastly, the board considered scheduling future meetings, debating the possibility of reducing the frequency of meetings during the summer months.