NOTTINGHAM BOARD OF SELECTMEN
WORKSHOP – INTERVIEWS FOR ASSESSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 28, 2008
PRESENT: ABSENT:
Selectman Bock, Chairman Selectman Netishen
Selectman Bonser
GUESTS:
Mr. Grant “Skip” Seaverns
Mr. Gene Reed
Ms. Bonnie Winona
Mr. Jeff Gurrier
OTHERS PRESENT:
Ms. Lisa Stevens
Ms. Andrea Lewy
Chair Bock called the workshop to order at 7:00 PM. He explained that Selectmen Bonser and he had had an interview workshop Tuesday, February 26th, with four other individuals and that this would conclude that process. He added that two of the candidates they interviewed on Tuesday morning have prior assessing experience. Chair Bock stated that these interviews and formation of the committee are driven by an article passed at the Special Town Meeting held on December 15, 2007. He stated that the Selectmen are attempting to facilitate the requirements of the article and are hoping for a diverse committee which represents a composite of the community.
Acknowledging recent unrest, Chair Bock stated that the committee cannot create a bubble, adding that they must operate in the full spectrum of the public eye. Ms. Stevens agreed, stating that she felt public relations was top priority and that she strongly felt the Selectmen need to find someone with no knowledge of the events that have been taking place because experience can represent an impartial overview. She stated that it would be very important for the committee to contain representatives from the broader community because the end goal is a fair and justifiable process.
Chair Bock informed those present that the Board of Selectmen had not decided on a final number for the committee but believe it should be an odd number.
Addressing Mr. Gurrier, Mr. Bock asked why he would be a good choice for the committee. Mr. Gurrier responded that he believes there needs to be quality assurance and oversight in market value and the method being used. He added that he had worked in IT for 20 years and was now in QA. Chair Bock asked Mr. Gurrier what professional level of people he thought should sit on the committee. Mr. Gurrier responded that Avitar had used three different methods over the years and he did not understand why. He added that the seemed to be less and less accurate as time went on. He stated that he has spoken with certified appraisers who do not believe Avitar’s methods were accurate. He stated that he has had long conversation with DRA employees and been through the DRA website and is able
to locate only generic models.
Selectmen Bonser likened assessing to wielding an art form. She asked Mr. Gurrier how other States handle the situation. Mr. Gurrier stated that there is a standard that is improved upon as faults are found. He indicated that he believes Avitar management felt they were on the cutting-edge of models to use. He added that he believes people will eventually complain and the state will make changes. Selectman Bonser stated that she believed legislation could be introduced based on work performed by this committee. Mr. Gurrier stated that that was possible but he was not looking to do that, he just wanted to help in Nottingham. Selectman Bonser informed Mr. Gurrier that the reps do not want to do the legwork, however would move forward with issues that have had the legwork completed. Mr. Gurrier again stated that he is just looking to help this community. Chair Bock stated that he believes there is not a State-wide standard because it would put New Hampshire one step closer to
having to deal with the education funding crisis and the State’s dependency on property taxes. Several attendees agreed.
Addressing Mr. Reed, Chair Bock asked him to provide his thoughts on the committee and why he would be a good candidate. Mr. Reed stated that he agrees with everything Mr. Gurrier stated and he has done his homework. He stated he believes it will be a challenge to put things in place and he sees it taking years. Mr. Reed stated that USPAP is not mandatory and that the State is very careful to not approve any of it, they only review it.
Mr. Reed stated that the letter that the residents who were affected by the revaluation had received contained false information. He felt that the committee needs transparency. He reported that Avitar employees appeared to hide things and were, at times, outright rude. Chair Bock asked Mr. Reed what he thought would be the relationship between the committee and the Assessors. Mr. Reed stated that he thought it would be a complimentary relationship and that PR is very important. He again stated that transparency is the key. Chair Bock asked if he thought the committee should hold open meetings, in the evenings, with official minutes. Mr. Reed responded that he did and also believed they should hold mini courses in areas such as credits and exemptions.
Mr. Reed stated that this is ground-breaking territory, noting that only four other towns in the State of New Hampshire have a Board of Assessors. He reiterated his belief that education and PR should be the top priorities for this committee. He stated that he felt it should also be clear that this is an advisory committee only with no authority. Acknowledging Selectman Bonser’s earlier statement, Mr. Reed stated that he believes assessing is more of a science than it used to be, noting that much of the art has been removed.
Chair Bock asked Mr. Reed what would happen when contention arose. Mr. Reed responded that there would be enough sales data to create and support a formula. Mr. Reed noted that the Massachusetts’ standards book is approximately 2 inches thick and New Hampshire’s is practically non-existent.
Turn his attention to Ms. Winona, Chair Bock asked for her view. She stated that she agreed with the gentlemen, her one contention with Mr. Reed’s comment about science was that she believes there is always a judgment call in assessing.
Ms. Winona stated that she saw the committee as a resource for the community, adding that Avitar had no PR. She stated that times are changing, noting that they are seeing a “graying” population and 60% of the revenue is being generated by property tax. Chair Bock asked Ms. Winona if she could bring impartiality to the committee considering her involvement in other activities in town. Ms. Winona indicated that her intent for applying is to see equality. She stated that she did not believe a property owner or group of property owners should be singled out for revaluation. Chair Bock asked how she saw her role on the committee. Ms. Winona replied that having standards that are administered equally throughout the town is the main reason for the committee. Chair Bock asked
Ms. Winona if she hoped to see a development of standards that are unique to Nottingham. Ms. Winona stated that that was a possibility. She expounded, stating that she sees Nottingham as a very environmentally conscious community, however people who plant bushes in their yards are penalized on their taxes. She does not believe people should be penalized for doing “green things.”
Chair Bock asked Mr. Seaverns his reason for applying. Mr. Seaverns responded that he has no background in this, however wants things fair and equitable. Acknowledging Mr. Gurrier and Selectman Bonser’s earlier conversation, Mr. Seaverns stated that he had looked at this as a community thing, not about changing State laws.
Discussing the effects of things that may come after Town Meeting, Chair Bock noted that a three person Board of Assessors would nullify the committee’s relationship with the Board of Selectmen. He added that the Board of Assessors could chose to do the assessing themselves and not hire a professional assessor. Selectman Bonser stated that they could decide to not have a committee at all. Mr. Gurrier stated that the Board of Assessors could take this issue of the Selectmen’s shoulders.
Mr. Seaverns again stated that the PR should be this committee’s main priority. Ms. Stevens agreed, adding that she believes that the Board of Selectmen dropped the ball when demands were not made on Avitar and in regards to dialogue with the residents.
Chair Bock thanked everyone for participating and stated that he believes the Board of Selectmen have excellent candidates for the committee. Mr. Reed again reiterated that people need to be aware that this committee has no statutory authority.
Mr. Gurrier stated that he had questions for Avitar that were not answered and that people on the lake felt like they were being reassessed at that particular time so as to catch the peak sales period before it passed so that reassessment values would be based upon those elevated sales prices even though the market had already turned. Acknowledging that it could and would look that way, Selectman Bonser stated that the Selectmen had not even considered that it may appear that way. Ms. Lewy believes that the committee people need to be educated and the community needs to know that the cost per assessment is going to go up because of what has happened and may happen at Town Meeting. Explaining further, she stated that every assessing firm in the area is going to raise their price to work with this
Town.
Chair Bock again thanked everyone for coming and informed them that the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting would be held on March 3, 2008. He stated that they are planning to move on this as rapidly as possible. He stated that if anyone has any information or concerns they should contact the Board of Selectmen, not the Town Administrator.
Ms. Winona asked if the Board could accept and abatement form. Selectman Bonser stated she would accept it.
MOTION: Selectman Bonser motioned to adjourn the meeting. Chair Bock seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion passed 2-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Traci Chauvey
Acting Recording Secretary
Approved with corrections, as noted in the April 14, 2008 Minutes.
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