03:56During the meeting, the board focused on the necessity of releasing $10,000 from the overlay account. The board acknowledged these expenses were becoming increasingly burdensome for the town’s budget. A motion was made to approve the release of funds, which was seconded and saw majority approval; however, one member abstained from voting.

06:20Another topic of discussion was the review of property tax abatement applications. The board addressed an abatement request from Lock Brook Solar, which required a reduction of $554.30 to align with its tax rate under a pilot program. The board unanimously approved this abatement.

07:42The board also deliberated on an abatement request concerning a colonial home with a two-bedroom septic system. The property, assessed at $455,000, faced market challenges as the owner argued it was overvalued by approximately $25,000. The board took into account the property’s limitations, including the septic restriction and deed constraints preventing expansion. After evaluating these factors, the board voted to reduce the property’s assessed value to $425,000, reflecting its actual market conditions.

10:37Additionally, the board reviewed an abatement for a seasonal camp built in 1940, initially assessed at $196,000. Following an inspection, the camp was deemed to be in fair condition rather than good, prompting a recommendation to adjust its assessed value to $177,800. The board unanimously supported this reduction.

12:58As the meeting progressed, the board addressed concerns about the upcoming elections and the potential for member Laura Shifrin to be written in for the role of assessor. It was noted that an individual who had previously expressed interest in the role failed to complete the necessary paperwork in time. This led to a broader discussion about the responsibilities of the assessor role, with members highlighting the importance of understanding real estate matters and the required training courses. The board recognized the challenges of these responsibilities and emphasized the need for knowledgeable individuals to fulfill the position effectively.

13:15The board also discussed the accessibility of training courses for new members. While historically challenging, these courses have become more accessible online, facilitating easier participation for potential candidates. However, the board acknowledged that despite these improvements, maintaining credentials and fulfilling the role’s responsibilities remain demanding tasks.