11/21/2022 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mashpee Select Board Minutes November 21, 2022 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS TaxClassificationHearing µAssessor Jose ah Gibbons:w (continued) Discussion and Alaroval of Fiscal Year 2023 Tax Rate Public Comment: (continued) Mike Cahill, a seasonal resident indicated he drove an hour to attend this meeting. Mr. Cahill has been a seasonal resident summering with his grandfather since the 1950's. He loves coming to Mashpee in the summer, now coming with his children to enjoy what he did as a child. To continue to afford the home he lives in Mr. Cahill participates in the short-term rental program, abiding by the rules. In support of the seasonal residents Mr. Cahill indicated that second home ownership is not the case for all. Many have inherited the homes that they really cannot afford and are now resorting to the short- term rental program to maintain their family homes. Mr. Cahill stated this is taxation without representation, a reminder of the tea party. The Select Board was respectfully asked to consider the blue collar workers who want to keep their homes. This is another tax in addition to the tax they are paying to rent their homes. Diane Phillips strongly recommended against a tax rate that is reduced for residents and increased for non-residents. Ms. Phillips a resident of the Ashumet Pond area on Wheeler Road indicated her neighbors can barely afford their home. If the homes are haled with year-round residents, there would be more children. The Town does not have the infrastructure to support this. Many residents are also concerned with the water quality. Larry Palmer of 63 Waterway stated that he has been coming to Mashpee for 16 years. He only stays for one week each year, but this is where he wants to retire. With two children in college, he is struggling too. He would like to build a home, and stay part-time until retirement. Costs are expensive and it is difficult to build in this town. Mr. Palmer indicated the tax is revenue neutral with additional costs to administer. This may increase neighbor against neighbor, its human nature. Ties are hard and it is important to work together. Mike Richardson, 47 Slice Way indicated when he first moved to Mashpee, he was a part-time resident. Mr. Richardson now lives in Mashpee full-time and actively participates in town activities and on committees. Mr. Richardson stated we all have to work together to try to help each other out. It is not fair to place neighbor against neighbor. Changing the tax rate for one person to pay more, the other less, is not the answer.