Board of Assessors

Minutes of the Board of Assessors Meeting of March 6, 2014 A meeting of the Board of Assessors was held on Thursday, March 6, 2014 in Room 208, 2nd floor of City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 8:15 AM by Chair Dominic D’Antoni. Members Present: Dominic D’Antoni Robert Earley Daniel Gagnon Assessing Staff Present: Angelo Marino Andrew LeMay Douglas Dame Gary Turgiss Greg Turgiss Cheryl Walley Minutes of the Meeting: The minutes for the meeting held on February 20, 2014 were approved. Abatement Requests Presented: A complete list of abatements presented is available in the Assessor’s Office. Appointments: None Staff Items: Mr. Daniel Gagnon asked how many abatements have been received to date and he was told approximately 230 which is lower than average. The Board members were told the Assessing Department has received two applications for a tax deferral (RSA 72:38-a) and one application for a hardship abatement for tax year 2013 which will be coming before the Board soon. Since there are two new members there was some explanation made of these two forms of tax relief. The applicant of the tax deferral as of April 1, 2013, must meet the residency requirement and be at least 65 years old or be eligible to receive Social Security-Title II or Title XVI and show the tax liability causes the taxpayer an undue hardship or possible loss of the property. The total amount of taxes deferred shall not be more than 85% of its equity value. If approved, this does not forgive the taxes but lowers the interest rate on unpaid 2013 taxes from 18% to 5%. The completed application with the owner’s and each Board member’s signature, is recorded at the 1 of 2 Hillsborough County Registry of Deeds as a voluntary lien on the property. Each member was given a copy of Form PA-30 (the application and the attached requirements and instructions for filling out the application). The hardship abatement, if approved will forgive all the taxes for 2013. The applicant must show poverty and inability to pay the taxes owed for 2013. This is a form of tax relief very rarely granted as case law dictates that the homeowner must demonstrate that it would be unreasonable to relocate, refinance the home or otherwise obtain additional public assistance. The Board was given more information on this and told the applicant’s representative has an appointment to address the Board at the meeting scheduled on April 3, 2014. MOTION BY Robert Earley to adjourn at 8:40 SECONDED BY Daniel Gagnon. MOTION CARRIED. Transcribed by: Cheryl Walley Department Coordinator 2 of 2