Minutes of the Board of Assessors DECEMBER 23, 2013
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS
December 23, 2013
3:00 PM STARBARD BUILDING
Members Present: Rosemary Scully and James Dillon
1. Acceptance of Minutes
Motion was made by Rosemary Scully, and seconded by James Dillon. It was voted to approve the minutes of the September 30, 2013 meeting.
2. Tax Rate Set
Rosemary Scully and Lori Rose met with Andrew Nelson from the Department of Revenue on Thursday, November 21 to review the Recap Sheet and supporting documentation in order to set the Fiscal Year 2014 Tax Rate.
Tax Classification Public Hearing: was held on November 25, 2013 at 6:45pm in Memorial Hall. The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the property tax levy to be borne by each property class. There are five classes of property. A community has the option of choosing a “residential factor” that result in a single rate for all the property classes. Or there can be a shift of the tax rate within the classes. This process must take place annually before a community can set a tax rate. Rosemary Scully informed the Board of Selectmen the Residential properties were at 93.5 percent share of the levy, while Commerical, Industrial and Personal Property were at 6.5 percent. Therefore the Board of Assessors was recommending a “single tax rate”
The Revaluation from Department of Revenue was completed for Fiscal Year 2014. Final certification was received on November 4, 2013. The change in value for the average single family home is now valued at $264,300, up from $260,400 in Fiscal Year 2013. The Selectmen voted unanimously to maintain a single tax rate.
The Tax Rate of $17.75 was approved by the Department of Revenue on November 26, 2013.
3. Actual Tax Bills
The Actual Tax Bills for Fiscal Year 2014 will be mailed on December 31, 2013.
4. Other Business
The assessors voted to approve the following real estate exemptions:
No. Reason Exemption Total
5 17D Surviving Spouse $ 875.00
72 22 Disabled Veteran 35,275.73
1 22A Disabled Veteran 750.00
21 22E Disabled Veteran 21,000.00
6 37A Blind 3,000.00
21 41C Elderly 21,000.00
126 $81,900.73
Exemption certificated will be mailed on December 31, 2013. Taxpayers have 90 days from the issuance of the actual tax bill in which to file for real estate exemptions.
Chapter Land:
Carlson Property on Bullard Street, Chapter 61
The Board of Selectmen acted on at October 21, 2013 meeting. Released .62 acres for development of single family residence. The state is planning to acquire
12.5 acres.
Druggan Property on Princeton Street, Chapter 61A
The Board of Selectmen acted on at November 25, 2013 meeting. Waived right to purchase. 12.2 acre property will be sold and developed into single family homes.
Sandburg property, map 204 parcel 2 (Paxton Line) Chapter 61A
Sold to Greater Worcester Land Trust on October 9, 2013.
Boisvert Property on Chapin Road, Chapter 61, Map 220/1, 220/38, and 220/39
Did not file for Fiscal Year 2015. Has not changed ownership
Meeting with Joe Lee, State Forester, has been scheduled for December 16, 2013 to review existing properties in Chapter 61. Three are being renewed for a ten year period: Howatt, Drawbridge, and Nimrod.
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6. Next Meeting Date
Our next meeting will be held on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 3:00 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted:
________________________
Rosemary Scully, MAA
APPROVED:
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