AGENDA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2004
6:30 p.m. - Convene Meeting - Conference Room 1
MINUTES
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS
6:30 Public Hearing (continued) – Tax Classification
COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
MMR ISSUES
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
December 8, 2004
Present: Selectman Green, Selectman Taylor, Selectman Myers
Town Manager Joyce Mason
Absent: Selectman Cahalane, Selectman Marsters
Meeting Called to Order by Vice-Chairman Green at 6:30 p.m.
Town Hall, Conference Room #1.
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
Public Hearing (continued) – Tax Classification:
The Board of Selectmen met in joint convention with members of the Mashpee Water District for the purpose of selecting a residential factor which will determine the percentages of the tax burden to be borne by each class of property for fiscal year 2005.
The Board of Selectmen and Mashpee Water District Commissioners re-opened the Public Hearing to hear comments on the allocation of the tax levy by classification of property. The purpose of said hearing is to solicit comments on whether each classification of property should have a different tax rate or whether the tax rate should be the same for all classifications. The tax rate should be set by 12/31/04.
John Duffy, Assessor was present to discuss the four choices related to the manner in which property is taxed in the Town of Mashpee. The four choices are as follows:
1. Split Tax Rate
2. Small Business Exemption
3. Open Space Discount
4. Residential Exemption
The Board of Selectmen may elect a factor greater than the minimum residential factor, or a factor of “1” which will result in a uniform allocation of the tax burden among all classes of property. The Selectmen also have the option of granting an open space discount, residential exemption and small commercial exemption.
Discussion followed with respect to the options available to the Town of Mashpee. A residential factor of “1” without exemptions would result in a tax rate of $6.49 per $1,000 valuation. The current rate is $9.74.
Selectman Myers suggested the Selectmen consider a token bifurcation of the rate such as 2% shift between residential and commercial to break precedence and allow opportunity for residents to lower their taxes.
Board of Assessor, Les Greig recommended against a split rate for this fiscal year. The Town Manager agreed and suggested the matter be further studied to ensure its viability for the community and to allow for additional public relations.
Being no further comment, the Board motioned to close the Public Hearing.
Motion made by Selectman Taylor to close the Public Hearing.
Motion seconded by Selectman Myers.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
Motion made by Selectman Taylor to adopt a residential factor of 1, and not allow an open space discount, and not allow a small business exemption, and not allow a residential exemption for fiscal year 2005. The Board of Selectmen shall further research the manner in which property is taxed in the Town of Mashpee. All information relative to this matter shall be remitted at least 30 days in advance of the classification hearing.
Motion seconded by Selectman Green.
VOTE: 2-1. Motion carries.
Selectman Myers in opposition.
Mashpee Water District Commissioner Diane Rommelmeyer motioned to adopt a residential exemption of 1 and not allow an open space discount, and not allow a small business exemption, and not allow a residential exemption. The motion was seconded by member Perry Ellis. The vote of the Mashpee Water District Commissioners was unanimous. The tax rate as voted is 0.15 cents per $1,000 valuation.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Selectman Myers to adjourn at 6:59 p.m.
The Board will enter into Executive Session at this time for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter. The Board will not reconvene in Open Session.
Motion seconded by Selectman Taylor.
VOTE: Unanimous. 3-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Cahalane, absent Selectman Green, yes
Selectman Taylor, yes Selectman Marsters, absent
Selectman Myers, yes Opposed, none
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen
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