11/16/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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3 Board of Selectmen Minutes November 16, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public Hearing: Tax Classification Hearing: (continued) Mr. Streebel indicated that overall value in the Town of Mashpee has increased on average by 3.7%. New growth value is $60,804,480 with$544,808 in new growth taxable levy possibilities. The projected 2021 tax rate is $8.91 per $1,000 valuation. The figure represents a decrease of$0.05 from last year. The average single home is valued at $562,989. Maintaining a Residential factor of"1"with no shift, the FY2021 tax bill at $8.91 per$1,000 assessed to an average single family home is $5,016. If the tax rate was shifted between the categories of properties, a greater share of the tax burden would be placed on commercial, industrial and personal property (residential and commercial) taxpayers by increasing their tax rate while reducing the residential tax rate. There are 11,027 residential parcels. This includes vacant homes, etc. It is the recommendation of the Director of Assessing to not shift the tax rate this year. In addition to the hardship and effects of the pandemic it is estimated a shift would cost$11,000 for software upgrades and mailings. Added personnel may be required to validate applications and implement a parcel by parcel exemption. Greg McKelvey, 11 Menemsha Road stated that he is in agreement with the Assessor's recommendation to not change the classification of properties at this time keeping in mind the matter of wastewater. Selectman Andrew R. Gottlieb disputed the recommendation that he has challenged for a number of years. It is estimated that 8,000 homes in Mashpee fall below the median home evaluation. The majority lie within the classification as year round/principle residents. In rough projection nearly 95% of year round residents would realize a tax decrease if there was a residential exemption. In support of the year round residents Selectman Gottlieb asked his fellow Select Board if it is in our ability to provide a tax break for 95% of our residents, then why wouldn't we do it? A home less than $500,000 in value would see a reduction of$700 to $1,400. This is a great economic value to offer affordability to the residents who would be exempt from the taxation. It was recommended the tax burden be shifted to those who are better suited,those with a second home who objectively have more wealth. Discussion followed with regards to implementation, and the need to get feedback from the voters. With town meeting approval and available resources a residential exemption of up to 35% could be considered. This would possibly change the housing market to make Mashpee a more desirable community and a more affordable place to live. As the matter was debated Selectman Thomas F. O'Hara expressed support to the seasonal population of homeowners who are respective citizens owning a second home, who create jobs in the community and generously give to the town using very little in terms of services. It was agreed the matter should be investigated and further discussed with input from the voters.