Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-09-09 Tax Classification Task Force MinutesReading 1993 Tax Classification October 26, 1993 Page C-5 of 13 Task Force Report TAX CLASSIFICATION TASK FORCE MINUTES Meeting: September 9, 19 Present: Steven Cool David Billard David Hurley Beth Klepeis Bill Burditt Mollie Ziegler Dick Coco Bill Goodrich Michael Linnane Vinny Gatto 93 7:30 P.M. Town Hall Employees Lounge Pres. Reading Taxpayers Association Town Appraiser Reading Realtors Association Town Finance Director Board of Selectmen Board of Assessors Chairman Finance Committee Community Planning & Development Comm. Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Chairman Cool called the meeting to order. The minutes of the September 2, 1993 meeting were unanimously approved. Members of the committee representing the Chamber of Commerce, Vinny Gatto and Michael Linnane, and representing the Town Community Planning & Development Commission, Bill Goodrich were introduced. Chairman Cool reported that he had spoken to a number of town agencies and departments to determine what services they offer for homeowners and businesses. He also reported that he had contacted the Mass Taxpayers Association. The reason that classification began was that many communities were not assessing at full and fair market value when Proposition 2 1/2 became law. Classification of taxes for different groups of property would allow them to equalize valuations gradually. This was the theory, but equalization has not happened in many places. The question arose as to whether we can classify the other way, or favor commercial tax payers over residential. There is no mechinism in place to do so. The price of town owned land could be adjusted, or special state legislation could be sought to attract attractive new businesses, but these are outside the scope of tax classification. It was mentioned that the Town wants to appear pro business right now, and that tax classification is seen as anti-business. Dave Billard distributed a comparison of various towns regarding their classification status. 67 % of the communities surveyed have two rates for their properties. It was noted that a number of communities had classified in the early 1980's, with Stoneham being the most recent of the group in 1988. Stoneham has only shifted the tax burden minimally (ie. about 10%). It was noted that many communities which have a greater percentage of classification have a well established commercial base. Reading is making every effort to encourage business and to avoid an unfair burden on our business community, which has seen a number of businesses fold recently. Bill Burditt distributed the minutes of the Board of Selectmen's Classification hearing held November 4, 1992. The Board of Assessors unanimously recommended the factor of one, or equal tax rates for all classes of property. The minutes did not contain much discussion regarding classification, as the hearing was taken up with many questions concerning values, which were outside of the scope of the classification issue. (Continued...) Reading 1993 Tax Classification October 26, 1993 Page C-6 of 13 Task Force Report Steve Cool's comparison of services received by business and residential property owners was reviewed. It was mentioned that the relationship between business and residents was symbiotic, with services helping both groups (ie. public parking lots, fire inspections, foot patrols, etc.). It was also mentioned that businesses serve citizens by supporting charitable and educational fund drives and functions. Functions such as the public library, senior center, elder care, human services and health, recreational facilities, the cemetery, education, and trash pickup do not benefit the business community. Members of the committee expressed the viewpoint of the group they represented regarding classification. Dick Coco reported that the Fin Comm's viewpoint was neutral. Dave Hurley reported that the realtors felt that residential values would not be impacted by a shift in classification. Their view is that classification would be a negative impact on all property owners if it discouraged a high class user of available commercially zoned land and thereby encouraged a "big box" user. Bill Goodrich reported that CPDC is working with the Selectmen to attract to Reading Business Park a high class user, such as a Bio Tech company. They feel that such a firm would consider the tax rate, among other factors, in a decision to locate in Reading. The biggest plus about the former Reading landfill is that it is 33 acres, one of the few large sites of vacant land along Route 128. Vinny and Michael want to review the subject with the Chamber of Commerce. They want the town to be as responsive to businesses as possible, and at the same time be fair to all property owners. To predict the future situation in Reading vis a vis classification is difficult. As classification decisions occur yearly, it was decided to focus on the present for the recommendation for FY 1994. Steve Cool asked that he be given the Town's assessing file of values for all properties. It was decided that the information on values was beyond the scope of the classification issue, and that Dave Billard, as the Town's professional appraiser would provide any data needed concerning the values of properties in Reading. Mr. Cool may purchase the file for his personal use, as it is public information. It was decided that each committee member representing an interested group would write a representative report to be turned into the chairman, or brought to the next meeting. At that meeting, it will be identified what needs to be done to produce the report. On October 7, the committee will meet to vote on the committee report. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth W. Klepeis Secretary