Board of Assessors Meeting Minutes

Board of Assessors Meeting

Assessors’ Office, Upstairs, Town Hall, 39 South Street, Hinsdale, MA 01235

Tuesday, August 23, 2022 | 3:00pm

For the public to join this meeting socially distanced

Dial: (413) 449-5095 | Enter access code: 706-954 then press, “#”

MINUTES

Attendance: Vivian Mason (Chairperson), Robert Cimini (Member), Laura Galliher (Member), Harald Scheid (Regional Assessor), Alliey Pevay (Administrative Assessor), Chris Cozzaglio (Associate Assessor), Robert Graves (Town Administrator)

Meeting Open: 3:01PM

Approve Minutes from July 19 (Motion Passes; 3-0-0)

• • Laura Galliher Motions, Robert Cimini Seconds 

Old Business

• Discuss new process for processing incomplete applications (Motion passes RRG authorizing MV Abatements;
  3-0-0)
  • Discussed reviewing upon receipt, calling taxpayers that are missing documents to alert them what’s needed to move forward, and giving RRG Employees signing authority to allow for processing. 
  • Laura motions to authorize administrative signatures via RRG Employees to approve/deny MV Abatements for faster turnaround, Robert Cimini seconds
• Verify Growth/Permits entered in CAMA (Computer Assistant Mass Appraisal) as discussed at last meeting
  • Discussed one business hang-up, Robert Graves offered to follow up

New Business

• Discuss RRG’s Timetable for Setting Tax Rate: On schedule? Financial meetings held with departments involved? 
  • Discussed Harald Scheid sending an email to technical support contacts about resolving repeating issue where billing software and property record database software are having a cross-communication error when carrying over data from one platform. Will be testing accuracy 
• Approve/Deny MV Abatements as presented (Motion Passes 3-0-0)
  • Robert Cimini Motions, Laura Galliher Seconds
• Approve/Deny PILOT commitments as presented (Motion Passes 3-0-0)
  • Robert Cimini Motions, Laura Galliher Seconds
• Approve/Deny MV commitment 22-04 (Motion Passes 3-0-0)
  • Laura Galliher Motions, Vivian Mason Seconds 
• Future RRG Contracting Services discussion
  • Discussed potential to shift to a new hire out an administrator to create more of a consistent presence in-office 
• Review and Discuss Senior Tax Work-Off process
  • Discussed the flow of information: Initial application is submitted to the Selectboard, financial application for qualification is submitted to the Board of Assessors, all hours are tracked by the hiring office, all financials for approval once hours are logged. Application can be found on the Selectboard section of the website
• Open Forum
  • In-office supply needs overview
  • Renewals for MAAO ($150) and Berkshire County Assessors Association ($60) approved

Confirm Next Meeting

Adjournment 4:32PM