11/18/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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3 Board of Selectmen Minutes November 18, 2019 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Hearing: Annual Tax Classification Hearing: Assessor Jason Streebel, Treasurer/Tax Collector Craig Mayen: (continued) If the tax rate was to shift between the categories of properties,the greater share of the tax burden, up to 150% would be placed on Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property (residential & commercial) taxpayers by increasing their tax rate while reducing the tax rate for residential properties. Approximately 7.7% of Mashpee's tax valuation is commercial and industrial properties. An Open Space discount for approximately 111 parcels would have little effect as Open Space parcels are already lowly assessed. A Small Commercial Exemption of up to a 10% shift would tax 49 solely owner/occupied parcels out of the 347 commercial properties. If supported the Commercial/Industrial Rate would be $9.06 per $1,000 valuation. Mr. Streebel recommended the Board of Selectmen instruct the Town Manager to prepare in advance if a change is warranted. Mr. Mayen concurred as the process is highly detailed and should be void of errors or omissions as a violation may create an overlay deficit. This may also delay the issuance of bills. It was noted the Town of Provincetown adopted a tax rate shift in advance, but did not assume correct projections. Nantucket voted in support of the exemption. The Board of Assessors at their October 16, 2019 meeting voted to recommend a single tax rate is adopted with no residential exemption and no small business exemption and no discount for Open Space. The average value of all homes in Mashpee is $491,478 with 2,839 homes above average and 6,985 below average. The average value of primary residences in Mashpee is $404,818 with 1,826 above the average and 3,969 below the average. Of the 5,795 primary residences, 75% fall below the average. If the tax burden was shifted 92% of residents would gain a reduction in their tax bill. In 2014,the Board of Selectmen held a forum on this subject matter. Discussion followed regarding the outcome of the hearing which was close in terms of opinions. If the Selectmen move forward, Mr. Streebel offered to facilitate additional outreach on the exemption. It was agreed that based on property values, there is an opportunity to reduce taxes for 92% of the Mashpee community. However, secondary homeowners are an important part of the Mashpee community, seasonal residents with little impact to the schools. Water District Commissioner Tom Fudala indicated this matter was recently discussed by the Water District and it was motioned to recommend the single tax rate with no exemption. It was noted the Department of Revenue has determined the residential exemption does not apply to districts. Gregory McKelvey, 11 Menemsha Road indicated the Town is charging residents for short-term rentals, and with the upcoming wastewater initiative the determinations need to be fair to all residents. Mike Rapaz of Quinaquisset Avenue indicated if the people are aware that this is an opportunity to reduce their tax rate,this is what they would want. With those voting against the shift, he asked are you really representing your constituents.