Assessments - Part 1
I think that this blog may start to be getting the response that we were hoping for - to give a voice to those that would otherwise remain silent as they fear (perceived or real; it matters not) retribution or bad reactions from those that might know them.
Here is one person (that I have vetted as living in Gilford) reaction to the updated assessments.
I'm sure the 10.9% budget proposal has you as up tight as I am. I think of your relationship with Doug & Neil and it reminds me of the "Tax Cap" they pushed thru in Laconia. I like the results of that so far. Maybe Gilford should not be far behind? I was a Mass resident (you probably were also) when the tax cap was implemented there and it had a very positive effect.
As near as I can tell, the 10.9% doesn't really touch the new house for the police - imagine that added on. I drove by the fire house yesterday while all doors were open and noticed all bays full - imagine what's next when the latest greatest fire truck arrives.
Note: I have corrected his percentage rate....
Guess you can tell from the couple of comments, I'm on your side - keep up the good work!
MPBBH
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Subject: So this is the Tax Abatement Procedure, eh?
I thought it might be useful to share my perceptions of the proceedings relative to our Tax Abatement Application with the selectmen.
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It is probably fairly typical that the Abatement Application follows an unsuccessful attempt to resolve differences with the Appraiser. This was the case with our property appraisal (an 87% increase). As a taxpayer with a difference of opinion on the appraisal put forth, it would seem reasonable that the abatement process directly involve the assessors (Selectmen). The application goes in to the appraiser’s office for his review and consideration. We filed in December of 2005. It is more than coincidence that the application was forwarded for hearing at the final Selectmen’s meeting prior to the deadline (July 1), and after my phone call to a selectmen. We appreciate your efforts.. Would the hearing have happened without the phone call? Our perception is NO, meaning it would automatically become a denial.
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As the hearing proceeded it became apparent that the Selectmen had none of the data supplied in the Abatement Application. How can the Board seriously consider an application without the data provided? What this leaves is for the Board to simply take the recommendation of the Appraiser which the Board did. The land appraised value increase was reduced to a 71% increase from 87%, in comparison to the average in the neighborhood of 43%.
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Perhaps if the selectmen do not have the time and effort to dedicate to the process, a seperate Board of Assesors would make sense to hear a comprehensive appraisal issue.. We have always been willing to pay our fair share of taxes but are still not convinced that the current appraisal reflects a “Fair Share”. The result will be a lack of willingness on our part to vote for future capital improvements that further impact our property taxes.
