MARCH 19, 2002

7:08 PM

Present: Brian Little, Chairman

Timothy Terragni

Bryan Clark

Compton French, Assessor

Linda L. Peters, Secretary

Brian Little, Chairman, called the meeting to order.

Brian referred to the Veterans tax exemptions discussed at the February meeting. At that meeting, the Board had voted that Bob Michael qualified for a credit of $ 700. Based on further research, Brian found that Mr. Michael is entitled to a $ 1400 exemption. (Article IV of Town Meeting of 1990 changed the amount from $ 700 to $ 1400.) The $ 50 exemption granted to Scott Griffis was changed to $ 100 (Article III of Town Meeting of 1990 changed the amount from $ 50 to $ 100). The Board voted to increase the amounts based on the changes made at the 1990 Town Ballot.

David Schroeder had also applied for a Veterans tax emption, but the Board did not grant one. He was in attendance to discuss the decision of the Board. Brian Little listed the criteria set forth by the State and asked Mr. Schroeder if he felt he qualified based on that list. Mr. Schroeder agreed that he did not meet any of the criteria. No further action was taken.

Mr. & Mrs. Nicoloro were also present at the meeting. Mrs. Nicoloro had been unaware that the Town had been charging her a $ 1300 (Gorham Pond) Association fee for each of her lots. Compton French had looked into it and told Mrs. Nicoloro that starting next year, she would only be charged that fee for one lot because her lots are adjoining. She asked if there was any balance due on her tax bill. Compton told her he would check with the Tax Collector and get back to her.

The Board reviewed an application for Veteran’s credit from Brian Casey. The Board felt he qualified for the $ 100 exemption (but not the $ 1400). The Board voted in favor of granting the $ 100 exemption and signed the approval form.

Compton French gave the Board highlights of the Certification Class he attended. He reviewed with The Board the draft version of the 600 Rules and Certification Criteria that the DRA hopes to adopt later this year. (See attached). The Board agreed that they should work towards complying with these criteria, for example: they felt it would be helpful if the Building Inspector makes a copy of all permits for the Assessors. Plans should be accessible for measurement purposes. Deed information should be entered into the computer on a timely basis. Land Value Survey Forms should be initiated for each sale that comes through. Compton informed the Board that much of what is contained in these criteria are based on State laws and the State is taking steps to enforce it.

The following items were reviewed and signed:

· Minutes of February meeting

· Timber Tax Warrant, Jan VandeBogart (C6-03-02) $ 593

· Timber Tax Warrant, Carolyn Pomfret (E4-04-02) $ 83

· Intent to Cut Timber, Sandra C. Weston (E3-02-19)

· Intent to Cut Timber, Edward S. Klements (G4-04-05)

· Sales for the Year 2002 (review only)

The DRA sent Brian Little information containing the definition of “Full and True Value”: “The courts have determined that the phrase, ‘full and true value’ means sale value, or the price that the property would sell for in a fair market between a willing buyer and a willing seller, i.e., a buyer who would buy but who does not have to buy and a seller who would sell but does not have to sell and, where the seller attempts to obtain the highest price possible and the buyer tries to purchase for the least amount. It does not mean an inflated value nor a deflated value, it means the price the property would bring at a normal sale on April first, the date and year of the assessment. (see attached)

Bryan Clark made the motion to appoint Tim Terragni Chairman. Brian Little seconded the motion.

Tim Terragni stated that the work load has increased greatly for the Board in the last two years. He requested that all Board members must become more involved in duties related to their position on the Board.

Meeting adjourned at 9PM.

Brian Little, Chairman Tim Terragni Bryan Clark