2/24/1998 BOARD OF ASSESSORS Executive Session

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i EXECUTIVE SESSION MASRPEE BOARD of ASSESSORS MINUTES of FEBRUARY 2 ! , 1998 PRESET. LESLIE Me GRBIG, CHAIRMAN KENNETH A. PORTER, VICE CHAIRMAN ARCA Re K IIG, CLERK DAVID A. BAILEY, DIRECTOR OF ASSESSING The Executive Session was called to order by Chairman Greig -6 : 30 p.m. APPEAL FOR ABATEMENT OF READ PROPERTY TAXES UDDER CLAUSE 18 Ma2 2 , Lot 66 owner Peter Swenson (present) Chairman Greig introduced Peter Swenson and invited him to present his appeal . Mr, Swenson explained that it was diieult fox' hien to appear before the Board of Assessors this evening to ask for an abatement of his real property taxes because he has been self- supporting since the age of 18 and is now age 52 . He was initially diagnosed as manic-depressive, but several years ago, he was diagnosed with physical depression as well . After several weeks as an in-patient during his crisis stage, he spent some time as an out-patient at the Pocasset Hospital and is now an out- patient at Fairwinds in Falmouth, a transitional facility, until he mets back on his feet. He receives Social Security benefits , has not worked since 1994 , and is deeply in debt. Upon question from Chairman Greigr Mr. Swenson stated that he has not advised his creditors of his poor -financial situation nor his disabilities . He is about $70 , 000 in debt, has his house and a oo car, and has about $50 a month that he can use toward payment of emergency car repairs or the like. He realize s. there is no way he can ever pay back that enormous amount of debt even if he was back on his feet and working 100% . Mr. Swenson is considering filing bankruptcy; he received numerous forms to fill out through the InterNet for $45 that will sage him the cost of engaging an attorney for about $600 plus. David Bailey informed that the Clause 18 Exemption is typically used as a "helping hand" for people who are faced with a temporary setback and are out of work for about one year. He expressed opinion it would not be fair to the 'Taxpayers if Mr. Swenson filed bankruptcy shorty after receiving a tax abatement from the Board . . . it would be life the Town diving your other creditors that tax money. The situation would be different if you feel you can pick yourself up financially in several years.