11/18/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Agenda Packet

Home Browse Search

�,StriYN Town n of Mashpee ;may' 16 Great JVeck Pvoad Xorth Mashpee,Afossachusetts 02649 Hours: Mon. - Fri.,8:30am- 4:30pm Assessing Department Phone: (508)539-1404 Jason R.Streebel,MAA FAX: (508) 539-1142 Director of Assessing MEMORANDUM DATE: 11/6/2019 TO: BOARD OF SELECTMEN CC: RODNEY C.COLLINS,TOWN MANAGER FROM: JASON R. STREEBEL,DIRECTOR OF ASSESSING RE: AGENDA ITEM-CLASSIFICATION HEARING To: The Honorable Select Board, I am requesting the addition to your November 18, 2019 agenda, for the Board to hold its Annual Classification Hearing. It has been properly advertised according to statute and town charter to be held at 6:35 pm on the above date. Background: In this context, Classification is the proportion of the levy that various groups of taxpayers are required to pay. The requirement of holding a Classification Hearing had its inception in 1980 with the creation of Proposition 2 1/2 as an option to redistribute tax burden. This statutory requirement can be found in Mass. General Laws Chapter 40, Sec. 56. Process: The Board considers four possible ways to shift the tax burden. Possibilities include increasing commercial/industrial taxes vs. residential; shifting taxes to higher value homes, vacant land and rentals vs. full time moderate and lower value homes; providing an open space discount and/or shifting taxes from some small businesses to the rest of the tax base. After the hearing, the Selectmen vote either multiple motions or a single inclusive motion. Once the vote is taken, those Selectmen who voted in the affirmative, log on to the Gateway system and electronically sign the LA5 to confirm their vote. The DOR requires this step as they will no longer accept written signatures. Due to the time sensitive need of getting DOR approval for our tax rate; it is requested that the BOS take a moment and electronically sign either after the vote or immediately after the meeting. A laptop will be available for this purpose. Pro: Holding a timely Classification Hearing provides for receiving an approved tax rate from the Dept. of Revenue so that tax bills may be generated and issued. Con: Not conducting a Classification Hearing would mean that the town will not be able to collect approximately 70% of its revenue for the Fiscal Year. Conclusion: A timely Classification Hearing is vital to the financial health of the Town. Email:assessingCiNRvw.mashpee,ma.gov • Web Site:www.mashpeema.gov