Full Value Reassessment Planned For Grafton
In Time For 2017 Tax Roll
By Doug La Rocque
[private]The Grafton Town Board announced at its meeting on Monday February 8, that Assessor David Galarneau plans to start a full value reassessment of the Town after the 2016 Tax rolls become final on July 1. In a letter to the Board, Galarneau outlined the steps he plans to take to accomplish the reassessment, which would bring properties in Grafton up to full value. [private]Currently, the town assessments are a percentage of full value, the equalization rate now being just 9 percent. Galarneau said to accomplish the reassessment he has to have a correct inventory on land improvements. Currently, there are approximately 1,120 improved residential and commercial properties in the town. Of those, the Assessor said between 150 and 175 parcels have already had the inventory verified.
Last year, Galarneau adjusted land inventory and values, which he calls the first step in the total reassessment process. This resulted in 900 plus parcels seeing their assessments change. The majority of these were increases. Two lawsuits were subsequently filed against the town, one involving 46 parcels of land. Town Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum said negotiations regarding the changes are taking place between the Assessor, Town Attorney Sal Ferlazzo, and the plaintiff’s counsel, Cathy Drobny.
In his letter to the Board, Assessor Galarneau said that once inventory values are verified, the next step in the process is to send data mailers to home owners so they can review and correct interior data “such as bedrooms, baths, heat and so on.” Galarneau said public meetings will be scheduled to inform taxpayers of the project and what to expect. The assessor wrote “I do not expect major shifts in values. The new “full value” of many properties will actually be the same as or similar to what they were before. Galarneau was appointed to his six-year position in November of 2013, when the Town Board chose him rather than re-appoint Craig Surprise to the post.
Focus On Grafton’s Youth
Supervisor Gundrum announced the formation of three new committees, one of which is tasked with dealing with the Town’s youth. Appointed to the committee were Councilman Eric Buckley, who made his concern about the Town’s young people a focal point of his campaign, and Town Clerk Kathy Mason-Wagar, who has run a very successful summer program for years. Councilman Buckley told the Board they have been meeting with Youth Commission Chair Noelle Goyer to map out a number of new initiatives. High on the list is an essay contest for Grafton students in either the Berlin, Tamarac or Hoosick Falls school districts. Buckley is challenging the students to write about living in Grafton, describing what they do for excitement and ideas for programs that they would like to see the Town establish for its youth. A new bike will be the top prize in the contest, open to children between the ages of 5 and 16 who live in the Town. The bike, and any other prizes will be donated by members of the Town Board. Buckley also announced the Annual Easter Egg Hunt is being converted to an Easter Party this year. The plans are still in the works, but it will be held on Saturday, March 19 at the VFW Hall. Other ideas being discussed include trips to local sporting events and music days in the Town Park.
Other Business And Reports
Besides the Youth Committee, Supervisor Gundrum appointed Buckley and Councilman Mike Crandall to a Technology And Communications Committee. Councilwoman Allison Kirchner and Lisa Dooley were appointed to a committee on Budget And Finance. Gundrum also spoke about the purchase of a software program for the Town Clerk’s Office called BAS. It is a program used by many surrounding communities, and she hopes it will be fully functional by the end of the month. Money for the program was placed in the 2016 Town Budget. Grafton Rescue Squad Captain Joe Allain reported they responded to six calls last month and stood by at the recent Polar Plunge at the Grafton Lakes Winterfest. He also said the squad expects to save some significant money, now that they are allowed to use injectables versus epi pens. The vials cost about $40 compared to $500 per pen.
Codes Enforcement Officer Tom Withcuskey reported he has six new building permits out to date, and is working with those who recently purchased properties at auction to get them cleaned up. He spoke in particular about his efforts with the new owner of a trailer on Red Pond Road.
Town Clerk Mason-Wagar reported she took in $3,092 which has been turned over to the Supervisor. The Board approved bills totaling $52,804 and adjourned the meeting in memory of Grafton resident Charles Farrell.[/private]