11/13/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Mashpee Select Board Minutes November 13, 2023 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Tax Classification wHearin� Assessor„ Joseph„ Gibbons; Discussion and Approval of Fiscal Year 2024 Tax mRate (continued) The Select Board discussed the different residential exemption scenario's and the impacts thereof. The Board of Assessor's has recommended no more than 15%. The Director of Assessing suggested the Select Board tread lightly until the residential exemption has been established for at least five years. Outside of the Tax Classification Hearing it was agreed the Select Board would request state legislators to advocate for the HOME Rule residential exemption process on the state level. Mary Waygan, Ashumet Road asked if residents are required to re -apply for the tax abatement. If the ownership of the property has not changed, it is not necessary to reapply. If the property was in a trust, and the applicant did not qualify, the resident may re -apply if the trust was transferred. It was noted Mr. Gibbons conducted a segment on the municipal channel regarding this process. Ms. Waygan stated that it is important to maintain our residents, and our legacy. Ms. Waygan in understanding the reasoning for maintaining a lower exemption stated this does represent a tax break for residents and it is important to let the residents know what the Town is doing to reduce the tax rate. Ken Dembroski indicated the residential exemption is one tool. In his opinion, Mr. Dembroski recommended the Town cut back on discretionary spending. It was recommended the 5% remain until the wastewater project is funded. Mr. Dembroski suggested the Town look at this logistically, and not give a tax break and then take it back with wastewater funding needs. In response it was noted the Town is not required to begin paying for the wastewater loans until one to two years after project completion. Marge Hecht urged the Select Board to support a residential exemption rate that will make a better difference. If Provincetown; 35% and Barnstable; 20% have found solutions, why can't Mashpee? Provincetown was noted to have petitioned the legislature for a change. Ms. Hecht recommended the Select Board look further into the exemption to maintain the character of Mashpee and retain residency. At minimum Ms. Hecht recommended a 10% residential exemption to give the people relief when it is needed. Selectman Wyman -Colombo voiced support to the 10% tax abatement. Being no further comment, the Board took the following action; Motion made by Selectman Sherman to close the Public Hearing. Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes Opposed, none