11/21/2022 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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w Mashpee Select Board Minutes November 21, 2022 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Tax_Classifcation Hearin; Assessor Joseph Gibbons: (continued) Discussion and Approval of Fiscal Year 2023 Tax Rate; Public Comment: (continued) Elana Doyle agreed with the opinions of Mary Waygan and Andrew Gottlieb stating it is probably a good idea. In closing Lisa Frye asked how a decrease in her tax and an increase to the summer residents would create more affordable housing. In response Ms. Waygan indicated housing is affordable if you do not spend more than 30% of your income. The government sets the definition of 80% AMI or less if you pay more than 30% of your income. This is a housing tax burden. Ms. Waygan added that affordable living does not go into the affordable housing inventory. It was noted the average cost of the increase without a residential exemption is $196 per year. A resident of Percy's Road indicated the pandemic has changed a lot of domiciles in Boston. It was recommended the Select Board vote against the proposal. Being no further comment, the Select Board took the following action; Motion made by Selectman Cotton to close the Public Hearing. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, none Ms. Waygan indicated she attended the Housing to Protect Cape Cod forum on housing and affordability for those who need to live and work here. The gathering encouraged her to think outside the box. It was recommended the Select Board strongly consider exempting 10% which would equate a reduction of $435 for those who have lower income properties. As the Select Board considered the proposal and the comments received it was agreed the cost of living is high and there is a strong need for affordability and job creation with better paying jobs. The cost of housing is astronomical. The economy is driving the housing sales beyond the asking price. There is a need to look at zoning, denser communities and smaller lot sizes.