One notable issue discussed was the Means Tested Real Estate (MTR) exemption application updates. The board reviewed changes in the circuit breaker amount compared to the previous year, with a maximum exemption increase from $1,200 to $2,590. Leslie Bracebridge and David Burgess presented a detailed spreadsheet showing the credits received by applicants from the previous year, noting that while the first eight applicants remained unchanged, a new ninth applicant had qualified, and one previous applicant no longer met the criteria.

David Burgess raised concerns about approving a 100% increase. This proposal aimed to balance the need for higher exemptions with the overall financial implications for the community. Members of the board echoed the importance of consistency, noting that applicants rely on predictable tax rates. Leslie Bracebridge pointed out that adopting the 50% recommendation would add approximately two cents to the tax rate, a change deemed manageable.

Further discussions explored a compromise between a 50% and a 100% increase, settling on a 75% increase as a potential middle ground. The board noted that out of the nine eligible individuals, seven would see an increase, while one would experience a slight reduction from $869 to $684. The 75% increase was presented as a way to support senior citizens amid rising costs, with minimal impact on the overall tax rate, estimated to be around two to three cents.

The board agreed to present both the 50% and 75% increase options to the select board for final consideration, preparing two memos for each proposed percentage increase. The timing for a meeting with the select board was discussed, with a preference for early October to coincide with the select board’s meeting on September 24th. The board emphasized the need for the select board to review the proposals, with David Burgess providing analysis and commentary to aid in their decision-making.

In another significant topic, the board discussed the impact of new housing developments in Shutesbury. One participant expressed enthusiasm about the construction of new houses, remarking, “that’s amazing, that hasn’t happened in years.” However, caution was advised against relying on this uptick as a trend, with a reminder to “please let’s be careful” and not to “bet on it for next year.”

The meeting also covered updates from the Franklin County Assessors Association Round Table meeting held on August 27. A notable change was the election of a new president, a principal assessor from Montague, following the retirement of an influential figure from Irvings. The new president conducted the meeting as a training session, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration among assessors. Leslie Bracebridge highlighted a significant legislative change with Governor Healey’s signing of emergency legislation to facilitate the creation of starter homes. This legislation overrides local zoning regulations under certain conditions, such as requiring lots to have at least 10,000 square feet and houses with a minimum of three bedrooms.

The board also discussed a previous town meeting decision in 2011 to increase exemption benefits, with new proposed legislation allowing similar cost-of-living increases for veterans as was done for low-income senior citizens in 2021. Although this topic was not settled in the meeting, it was suggested for inclusion in a future agenda. The board considered how to present this proposal at the annual town meeting.

Additionally, the overlay account used for various financial needs, including exemptions, was discussed. The board noted expenditures from the overlay account had been relatively low this past year, around $16,000 to $17,000, with a typical balance of $40,000 being maintained. Clarifications were made about the cumulative nature of the overlay account, allowing for more flexible spending.