Minutes of Meeting-APPROVED 9/20/06
Town of Monson
Board of Assessors
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Meeting opened: 5:00 pm
Present: Russell Bressette, Chairman
Gary DePace – member
Ann Murphy – member
Diane Hildreth, MAA – Principal Assessor
Mr. Harrington, a taxpayers who has his land classified in Chapter 61A came to the meeting to find out the process if he discontinued the 61A program. Board members explained the ramifications if he pulled out of the program and also discussed the different Chapterland possibilities.
With the Chapter 61 deadline of September 1st the board reviewed and approved several certification and re-certification applications. Springfield Sportsmen Club acreage has been in question over the years. The forester and assessing staff worked together to research deeds and past surveys to correct the acreage issue. Three Chapter land liens release were also signed.
The board signed one Preliminary Reapportionment for Real Estate Taxes for property on Upper Palmer Road.
Dorothy Jenkins, Tax Collector requested an abatement on two properties. One property was taken through tax title. This office will write to the Commissioner of Revenue for jurisdiction to abate under MGL Section 8 of 58. The second property is a parcel of land with improvements where the residents have filed under Chapter 13. There is a Statement of Continue Lien on file at the Registry of Deeds. It is the opinion of the Board that this request should not be abated. This office will research the MA General Laws to confirm the board’s opinion.
This is the first meeting since Diane Hildreth, Principal Assessor joined the assessing department. Diane updated the board member on many areas of concern in the office.
1. The assessing software has many issues from loss of value to lack of report writing. This software has many deficiencies and this office should look into a CAMA system that has experience in dealing with Massachusetts’s municipalities.
2. Building Permits have not been completed. There are over 55 new single family homes and over 200 BP’s for additions, decks, garages, sheds, etc that have not been picked up.
3. Mapping is another area of concern due to the FY08 Certification Recommendations. The tax maps are in deplorable condition. Although the process was started to clean up the tax maps by the former Assessor this was in the very early stages and has come to a dead-end.
4. Dedicated town vehicle for the assessing department to use for inspections is a possibility that was discussed at a recent department head meeting. The Police Department is looking to dispose of a couple of cars and will have their mechanic determine which vehicle is in the best condition and least likely to require major expenses in repairs.
5. Audra Harris, Administrative Assessor and fully supported by Diane, suggested giving a Senior Exemption Presentation. The board members are extremely receptive to educating the senior residents of any tax exemption that would help and fully endorsed this suggestion.
6. The board members would like to have in place a written procedure regarding abating uncollectible excise tax. This will be worked on as soon as time permits.
This was the last meeting for Assessor Gary DePace. Thank you for your time and commitment to this office. Your professionalism and presence will be missed.
The Board reviewed all correspondence received since the last meeting
Next meeting will be September 20, 2006 @ 5PM .
Motion to adjourn. So voted 6:30PM
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