MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
November 7, 2011
5:30 PM STARBARD BUILDING
Members Present: Beverly Potvin Kenniston and James Dillon
1. Acceptance of Minutes
Motion was made by Beverly Kenniston and seconded by James Dillon; it was voted to approve the minutes of the October 24, 2011 meeting.
The assessors met to review and sign documents for the Tax Classification with the Board of Selectmen. The next assessors’ meeting was set for December 12, 2011. The meeting was closed in order to reconvene with the selectmen in Memorial Hall.
Tax Classification Public Hearing
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the property tax levy for Fiscal 2012. The selectmen must determine the percentage of the tax levy to be borne by each property class. Under classification there are five classes of property. A community has the option of choosing a “residential factor” that results in taxing each class of property at the same rate, or shifting the burden, within certain limits, among classes. This allocation process must take place annually before a community can set a tax rate.
Beverly Potvin Kenniston, Principal Assessor, informed the Board that a reduction in property values, allowable Proposition 2 ½ increases, New Growth and the impact of new debt resulted in a $.88 increase in the tax rate from $15.65 last year to $16.53. The average assessed single family home is now valued at $266,300, down from $270,800 of one year ago. New Growth added $26.5 million to the total valuation of the Town.
The Selectmen voted unanimously to maintain a single tax rate for all classes of properties. Shifting the tax burden is not an option for Holden with our very small commercial/industrial tax base of only 6%.
Respectfully submitted:
_____________________________
Beverly Potvin Kenniston, MAA
APPROVED: ____12-12-2011______
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