Notes from the Board of Assessors (BOA), February 21, Hybrid meeting

Present:

• Gary Pitney, Chair
• Doug Goudey
• Tom Stokes
• Michael Blay, Assessor
• Tammy Toupence, Secretary
• Peter Strauss via Zoom

1. Necessary changes to online map (for example change in name of owner/tax payer), BOA budget, and annual report will all be complete by end of week.
2. Vehicle excise tax bills mailed this week.
3. Abatements and exemptions decision made — Berkshire Scenic Railway application for nonprofit exemption declined.
4. Stockbridge has "no uncollectables"
5. Plan to discuss alternative to Residential Tax Exemption (RTE) postponed so Blay can get answers to questions he has for TC and to prepare a spread sheet.
6. Reporting for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT), Stokes and Strauss "tweaked" a questionnaire that they will ask a sample of nonprofits, selected businesses and second homeowners to fill out. It will be reviewed by SB and in a public meeting. Strauss added that the nonprofits were selected because they charge admission. Tanglewood was not included due to current leadership upheaval — include later.

Meeting adjourned.

Photo: Jay Rhind