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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-04 ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF NONVOTING TAXPAYERS Meeting at 10 A.M., Friday, August 6,2004, in the High School Conference Room. 1. Present: Howard Blitman, David Brown, Roger Ernst, Bill Sherman, Jay Strauss, Duncan (Terry) Sutphen, Richard Wolfe, and guest . Town Assessor Debbie Dilworth plus Jay's grandson Jared Smit~ 2. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.~~~ith a quorum present. The minutes of the 7/23/04 meeting w;r,=e:;appr~d with correction of "2004" to read "2002" in Paragraph':8. OJ 3. Chair Roger Ernst introduced Debbie Dilworth, Town AsSessor cSa past president of Rotary, to respond to questions rafSed at our prior meeting. Jay explained that in his home state, Rhode ~ Island, most towns have an enhanced tax levy, putting a new (h property on the tax roll as soon as the house is, in fact, ~ occupied - regardless of whether a certificate of occupancy has been issued. That 'rolling assessment' practice was adopted in response to modular homes, a substantial part of new growth with attendant tax burdens. Jay supposed that Nantucket's tax levy could similarly be boosted above the 2~% levy limit. Debbie explained that Massachusetts law (the Hopkinson act) allowed accelerated inclusion of new growth in the levy only when the added assessed fair market value was at least 50% greater than the pre-existing value. Since reaching the 50% threshold was less likely for high-priced properties, an accelerated tax boost would disproportionately hit lower priced properties. If state law allowed acceleration without meeting the 50% test, she would favor it. She also noted that MA law requires a C. of O. for accelerated assessment. [Query: would a home rule petition to amend the Hopkinson act as applied to Nantucket have any chance of success?] Banks and sometimes home-owner insurance policies require a C. of O. With sufficient staffing, the Building Department could bar occupancy prior to a C. of O. The town has two data collectors for doing assessments for year- end adjustment and for compliance with the state's audited mandate that every property be assessed on January 1st at FMV every 3 years. Rather than 'spot' reassessments, the town typically will look at a class of properties (e.g., ocean front) if sales are made for amounts significantly different (at least 50% more) from current assessed values. Nantucket currently has the fourth highest total assessed value of MA towns and, correspondingly, the lowest tax rate. Terry observed that residents seemed to accept tax payment if revenue was well spent. Debbie observed that the town's last successful override of Prop 2~ for operating expenses was in 1991. In response to Bill's questions, Debbie explained that seasonal vacation rental homes are taxed as residences (the 'highest and best use') without regard to the higher value realized from hefty seasonal rentals. If the town wished to communicate with residents by newsletter sent out with tax bills, they could be sent as 'stuffers.' Debbie went on to note that 1927 island residences are currently qualified for the year-round residential tax exemption. If that exemption were eliminated [e.g., by BOS vote], the tax rate would drop about 10 cents per $1000 of assessed value. The total tax levy is now about $40 million, with new growth in FY04 representing about $1.7 million. Of the residential (non- commercial) tax levy, non-residents carry some 87% - and, of course, a lesser percentage share of the total tax levy. Debbie Dilworth was thanked for her helpful and clear presentation. 4. Terry Sutphen, representing the Nantucket Community Association in the Community Coalition, and Bill Sherman for ACNVT reported on three initiatives. . Terry reported no response yet from the BOS to the Coalition's letter urging work on a harbor management plan. A consultant (Cotrell) has offered to the BOS and now to NGOs an updating of the town's 1993 Nantucket and Madaket Harbor Plan at a cost of $6500. Before NGO funding of that update is offered, assurance of BOS support is wanted. The BOS has not offered town funding. . The Coalition is also urging town implementation of the recommendations made by the Septage [= septic systems] Management Committee to the BOS. With no BOS response, follow through by Health Officer Richard Ray is sought. The Coalition will send a follow-up letter to the BOS. . Terry next turned to the proposal of MIT Professor Don Harleman (former head of the Department of Environmental Engineering) for use of chemical treatment at the upgraded Surfs ide plant sharply to cut total plant cost. Howard reported talking with engineering society experts in the field who were supportive of the Harleman approach. He also noted reason to keep to a minimum the amount of wastewater treated at the plant in favor of septic treatment that assures further nonpolluting recharge of ground water. Sewer districts should be kept to a minimum area needed for health and ecology. The Land Council is seeking an optimum balance for assured ground water recharge. Continued population growth with loss of recharge seriously threatens the island's water supply. Howard and Bill are to draft an ACNVT letter to the BOS expressing this concern. 5. Howard noted that town officials sometimes cite the Administrative Consent Order which the BOS entered with the state as forcing local action to avoid ACO penalties. He believes, however, that the state will accord the town more time, if needed, without imposing penalties provided the town is actively trying to meet ACO conditions - upgrading the Surfside plant. 6. Roger reported on Mike Burns' presentation to the BOS. The BOS set up a work group including Mike and Finn Murphy to consider steps toward traffic amelioration 7. The next ACNVT meeting is set for August 20, 2004, same time, same place. Then we will meet September 10th (not 3d) and 24th. likely at the Town Annex building at 37 Washington Street. 8. Roger Ernst adjourned the meeting at 11:32 a.m. Respectfully submitted Bill Sherman