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4 <br />Select Board <br />Minutes <br />November 6, 2024 <br />Tax Classification Hearin�Djrector ofAssessin � JoseJh,G�,bbons (continued) <br />Ralph Herbst a 30-year resident of Falmouth, indicated he owns property in Mashpee. Mr. Herbst <br />stated that he owns a home with an unpaved road, with no expense to the Town and that he is not <br />increasing the burden of the schools. He asked the Select Board to consider people like him, and <br />provide tax relief. <br />Yvonne Courtney of Prestwick Lane also stated there are many people who have lived in Mashpee <br />for many years that want some consideration. Many are elderly and they cannot afford the increase <br />in taxes. It is time to consider the people who have contributed, and are on fixed income. <br />Diane Philips a resident of Wheeler Road indicated in her opinion it is wrong to tax people who do <br />not use the services. There is concern the secondary efforts may encourage people to live here <br />year- round. As a resident living on Ashumet Pond she is concerned with the environment. The <br />Select Board should consider other solutions as well as the pollution. <br />Arden Russell, Sturgis Lane indicated that people are struggling to make ends meet. This is a tool <br />to help our lower income residents. Saving the funds for a later date is not doable. A residential <br />exemption would help to mitigate expenses. Ms. Russell suggested the Town petition the <br />legislature to add year-round rentals to the residential exemption. <br />Mary Waygan, Ashurnet Road indicated she has spoken in favor of the residential exemption for <br />many years. Ms. Waygan is in support of a robust residential exemption. If was noted that 5 <br />communities on the Cape have embraced this program. This includes Barnstable at 25%, <br />Provineetown at 30%, Wellfleet and Truro both at 35% and Mashpee at 5%. Now is the time. We <br />have the Community Development Block grant, the CPC programs and other funding categories. <br />People will come and be attracted to Mashpee. The existing residents are making Mashpee a better <br />place and the residential exemption is what is needed for our residents. Ms. Waygan indicated that <br />taxes can be exempt for properties that are being rented affordably and the Affordable Housing <br />Trust could offer rental property owners a subsidy to make rent more affordable. Ms. Waygan <br />indicated she would provide free consultation services to the Affordable Housing Trust if needed. <br />In closing, another resident stated that landlords or people who own investment properties should <br />have some benefit, those who are income eligible. <br />Being no further comment, the Board motioned as follows; <br />Motion made by Selectman Wyman -Colombo to close the Public Hearing. <br />Motion seconded by Selectman Cotton. <br />VOTE: 5-0. Unanimous. <br />Roll Call Vote: <br />Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman -Colombo, yes <br />Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Opposed, none <br />