11/21/2022 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 Mashpee Select Board Minutes November 21, 2022 APPOINTMENTS &HEARINGS Tax Classification Hearing AssessorrrJoseph_Gibbons: (continued) Discussionmmand Ap royal of Fiscal Year 2023 Tax Rate: Public Comment: (continued) Lisa Frye of 40 Autumn Drive spoke on the tax levy stating the pie is the same pie,and the Town will not benefit any more or any less. The proposed residential exemption would be shifted to a different population,the people who are not year-round residents. They don't get to vote. It is disturbing to shift the burden to those who can afford it. It is also unfair as the role of the Select Board is to look out for all of the taxpayers, not just the ones who vote. Terrie Cook, 6 Angelo's Way indicated as a homeowner she would benefit from the residential exemption. But it is unfair the summer residents would be taxed at a different rate. People won't build here and we will not have new growth. This would affect our businesses. It is like taxation without representation. Ms. Cook voiced concern the commercial tax properties would maintain their rate, a little lower in this proposal. There are a lot of assumptions made about folks who are non-domiciliary. Many times, it is just a small family coming to Mashpee staying in a cottage having a brief vacation. Our town depends on the summer residents and it is hopeful the Select Board would consider the unintended consequences before this is brought to our town. Marje Hecht of Hoophole Road urged the Select Board to make housing more affordable for year-round residents. Second homeowners may say this is unfair. Large expensive second homes have driven up expenses and local commodities are sky high. This is a progressive tax,perhaps an exemption with an income provision. Sixteen Massachusetts communities have adopted this plan as a step to make housing more affordable for the year-round residents who elect this Select Board who makes decisions on our behalf, not the minority of households who make their living elsewhere. Arden Russell, Sturgis Lane made note of the affordable housing crisis on Cape Cod and the rapid cost of living that is not sustaining our workforce. Ms. Russell requested the Select Board soften the blow and adopt the residential exemption designed to create a benefit to lower valued homes. Now is the time as the town moves forward with wastewater to ease the burden. There are very few year-round rental homes in Mashpee and many of the affordable rentals do not contribute to taxes. Ms. Russell urged the Select Board to vote in favor of the residential exemption to allow the town to do more. Lynne Barbee a resident of Surf Drive echoed the previous speakers. Ms. Barbee stated there are many people in Mashpee living on a fixed income in modest homes. Volunteering in Human Services Ms. Barbee indicated this department is receiving a lot of requests for fuel assistance. There is a different economic reality from those who own a second home. Ms. Barbee urged the Select Board to vote favorably on this matter.