21:09A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to evaluating changes to the bylaw that mandates the publication of names of entities or businesses with unpaid property taxes. The current bylaw required updating to better reflect the different types of payment agreements, distinguishing between payment and deferral plans. Deferral plans, as highlighted during the meeting, are not due until the property is sold or the owner passes away. A proposal was made to add descriptive headers to the bylaw sections, improving clarity and accessibility for those referencing it. This effort was underscored by the understanding that the publication of delinquent taxes had not been conducted for several years, making this revision particularly pertinent.

Further deliberations centered on the timeline for publishing delinquent accounts. The committee proposed shortening the current 180-day post-fiscal-year-end timeframe to either 60 or 90 days. This change was aimed at enhancing the bylaw’s effectiveness as a collection tool, allowing for earlier identification of tax payment issues. Anecdotal evidence was shared by a participant who recounted discovering their name on a delinquent tax list due to a bank error, emphasizing the need for timely disclosure to rectify such mistakes.

The committee also addressed the modernization of publication methods, expressing a consensus to expand beyond traditional newspaper notices to include digital formats. This shift would ensure broader dissemination of information and cater to contemporary communication preferences, thereby increasing transparency in tax collection practices.

0:10Another major topic involved proposed amendments to Article 21 A, which pertained to the collector of taxes and sought to clarify interest rates on delinquent payments. The proposal aimed to amend the bylaw language to incorporate references to delinquent charges that fall into tax title. This change intended to provide clear distinctions between interest rates for varying types of delinquent payments, thereby ensuring consistency and clarity for taxpayers.

In tandem with these discussions, the committee reviewed related bylaw sections to ensure consistency with broader legislative changes. Concerns were raised about the practicality of listing numerous delinquent accounts publicly, with suggestions to streamline the process to make it manageable and accessible for residents.

39:58Additionally, the committee tackled formatting issues in Article 25 concerning the Council on Aging, identifying a “scribner’s error” that needed rectification. Members agreed that the town clerk could address this without further committee action, and the secretary was tasked with notifying the clerk. The conversation also included proposed additions to sections of the article to encompass all relevant town entities.

The committee addressed a broader agenda of bylaw modifications, including the global replacement of “board of selectmen” with “select board” and the introduction of more inclusive language to eliminate gendered references. These changes were part of a larger effort to ensure that the bylaws reflect current practices and societal norms.