MONSON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2004
A Special Meeting for the purpose of holding a Public Hearing to discuss the tax classification rate convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at 110 Main Street. In attendance were James R. Manning, Kathleen C. Norbut and Richard E. Guertin. Also present were the Town Administrator and the media. Town Counsel was not present.
David Royce and Russell Bressette, of the Monson Board of Assessors, approached the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Royce stated this is the annual Tax Classification hearing as required by Massachusetts General Law. Mr. Royce explained the market value on property in the year 2005, has increased. This means a home that was valued at $162,213.00 in 2004, is valued at $184,954.00 in 2005. Due to the increase in the market value, the projected tax rate for 2005 has decreased from the rate of $15.97 per $1,000.00 of property valuation set in 2004, to $13.01per $1,000.00 of property valuation for the year 2005. The Internal Revenue however has not yet approved this rate.
Mr. Guertin questioned if it would be possible for businesses not to pay more compared to residents. Mr. Royce stated that would be a possibility. Ms. Norbut added she would like to see commercial property receive a break for economic growth. Mr. Guertin also asked about exemptions for senior citizens. Mr. Royce said the state has certain statutes that allow exemptions, but the town itself doesn’t provide any tax breaks. There are thirty residents in Monson which receive $500.00 off on their tax bills as provided by the state, due to age, income and assets. Mr. Bressette discussed the possibility of creating a program in which Monson residents could work for the town. The check issued would be used as tender toward the participant’s property taxes.
Ms. Norbut made a motion to maintain the consistent tax rate, with both businesses and residential property, with the towns proposed rate of $13.01 per $1,000.00 of property valuation. Mr. Guertin seconded and it was so VOTED.
Ms. Norbut made a motion not to pursue the residential exemption of up to 20%, only among owner occupied residential parcels with the burden going to other residential class parcels only. Mr. Guertin seconded and it was so VOTED.
Ms. Norbut made a motion to not pursue the small commercial exemption of up to 10% to qualify eligible parcels with the burden going to the remainder of non-qualified parcels within the commercial class of property. Mr. Guertin seconded and it was so VOTED.
In other business to come before the Board of Selectmen, Ms. Neggers said a request was received from Carol Bressette for the use of the gymnasium in the Town Administration Building by the Monson Girl Scouts, following their Christmas caroling at Colonial Village, on Friday December 10th. Mr. Guertin made a motion allowing the Monson Girl Scouts use of the gymnasium on Friday December 10th. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
It was announced the Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission and the Master Plan Advisory Committee, currently have vacancies if anyone is interested.
It was also announced that the Monson Rotary Tree Lighting Ceremony for Tuesday night was canceled due to inclement weather. This ceremony will be rescheduled at a later date.
Correspondence was read for the meetings of November 23rd and December 7th and completed.
At 7:45 p.m., Mr. Guertin made a motion to adjourn from open session to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining, not to return to open session. Ms. Norbut seconded and it was so VOTED.
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Richard E. Guertin, Clerk
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