Town of Princeton, Mass. -- BOARD OF SELECTMEN -- June 16, 2014
4:00 PM The meeting was called to order in the Town Hall Annex. Present were Chairman, Neil Sulmasy, Stan Moss, Edith Morgan and Town Administrator John Lebeaux.
Meetings/Appointments
4:03 PM Treasurer Collector Jim Dunbar came in to address two action items that were suggested in a management letter from the town’s auditors. First, Jim explained the automated Lockbox processing for real estate and excise tax receivables. It was noted in the auditor’s report as a means of streamlining tax payments—all R.E. payments that are mailed to Town Hall (about 30 percent) as well as excise payments would be mailed instead to the lockbox institution (bank) and processed a bit quicker. All other payment methods, including payments from mortgage company escrow accounts (representing one-third), online payments and walk-ins, would continue without the Lockbox service. Bids were solicited from three firms that do Lockbox, and only Century Bank responded. They are already used by Paxton and
Holden. Jim reported the total fee might be about $3,000 annually. However, he was concerned about merging the Lockbox with the town’s tax collecting software and said he would communicate with towns already using the Lockbox to see how software and other issues such as abatements are handled, and report back in several weeks.
Jim then outlined the process for tax title foreclosure and land taking, as the auditors discovered taxes due on some properties going back many years. After one year of non-payment of property tax, the town applies a lien with the Registry of Deeds and starts charging interest on unpaid taxes at 14 percent, which climbs after another year unpaid to 16 percent—as per state regs. The regular tax bills for these properties are stamped as “previous taxes due” and “tax title.” After a property gets into tax title, it can take 3 – 4 years to get through Land Court before the town can take title, and property owners have right up to the Land Court’s final decision to pay up--and keep title. Communities which are more desperate for revenue may
crack down harder for collections, John L. noted, pointing out that each case of tax default may reflect unique challenges or situations and some elderly citizens struggle to pay taxes and keep their homes. He noted that interest keeps piling up, and the town is always the first lien-holder and will ultimately get paid. One strategy, therefore, is to not “put pressure on” regarding collections, since the more (unpaid) time elapses, the bigger the tax and interest payment to the town.
Jim suggested the town adopt a ‘tax title policy” in which all tax-due properties are reviewed on a schedule, like every 6 – 12 months. He felt it didn’t need to be as rigid as in bigger towns and cities and will communicate with other smaller towns to see if they have policies in place. Stan suggested that the BOS tell the auditors that both issues are being investigated.
New Business
Selectmen reviewed a cemetery deed and voted all in favor to sign the deed and approve the sale of lot 51-E in North Cemetery to Joe and Ellen O'Brien for $400.
They also reviewed a memo from Town Clerk Lynne Grettum regarding FY 15 - Board, Committee and Commission appointments. They voted all in favor to eliminate: Public Safety Committee; EMS Assessment Committee; Full Time Fire Chief Screening Committee; Thomas Prince Enrollment Study Committee. The BOS also voted all in favor to approve all FY’15 appointments as listed except eliminate Hazardous Waste Coordinator as it was handled under Wachusett Earthday Committee.
John L. reported that Walter Kuklinsky wanted to retire from many years on the ZBA and Alternate Chris Walton may be willing to take that seat.
Old Business
Selectmen discussed draft fraud policy that they had previously reviewed and voted all in favor to insert “Town of Princeton” where applicable and adopt it as amended.
Other Business
The board set the date of July 2 at 4 PM for their annual Goal-Setting Workshop.
Edith commended Stan for representing the BOS at the dedication at the Library for the garden and bench recognizing former librarian Wendy Pape. The event drew about 40 people and was considered very successful. Stan also reported on the ground-breaking ceremony at the NEADS facility with had about 80 guests including Rep. Flannagan and Lew Evangelidis.
Stan M. noted, as a Broadband update, that there had not yet been progress on finding legal counsel with Municipal Light Plant experience to assist in establishing a charter.
John L. reported on his Phase 1 “Procurement” training of three days in Boston. A total nine days are required for certification as a Mass. Public Purchasing Official.
John L. announced that Linda Albrecht had done an outstanding job of completing the current cycle of payroll, filling in since Accountant Janice Barrett was at the annual Municipal Accountants Conference for several days.
Warrants and Minutes
Board Reviewed and Approved Vendor and Payroll Warrants: FY14 #25.
They voted all in favor to approve regular meeting minutes for June 2. John L. noted that minutes for June 13 are pending.
5:22 PM The Board voted all in favor to adjourn
Respectfully submitted, Marie Auger, administrative assistant
Referenced Documents: Fraud Policy; FY’15 committee/staff appointments list; memo/questions from town clerk; Lockbox proposal from Century Bank.
Marie Auger
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
978-464-2100
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