BRATTLEBORO — The Selectboard approved the Listers' request for a 30-day extension to file the reappraisal Grand List Abstract with the state.
Under the new timeline, the Selectboard will set the tax rate early to mid August. Residents will also receive their tax bills early to mid August.
Town Appraiser Al Jerard said the reason for the extension was to allow enough time for grievance hearings, which increase during reappraisal years. Over 800 grievances were filed in the previous reappraisal year 2005.
“The Division of Property Valuation and Review considers such requests to be routine for Reappraisal Towns. They have encouraged us to apply for the extension in order to avoid any possibility of noncompliance problems,” wrote Jerard in a memo to Town Manager Barbara Sondag.
Jerard and Lister Chair Gary Carrier reiterated the importance for a fair and accurate Grand List and their commitment to any scheduled grievance hearings.
“Our job is to determine the fair market value of the property in town. The fairer it can be the better off for our town,” Carrier told the Selectboard.
The Listers Office has taken steps to minimize any further delays explained Jerard including staff members working overtime to “complete remaining tasks,” and a temporary staff member has been hired to assist in the data review process.
According to Jerard, the town had budgeted for extra assistance and overtime during the reappraisal process and the state provides funds as well.
The Listers' earlier request for an extension at the May 18 Selectboard meeting received a frustrated response from board members who felt the request should have been made sooner.
“We believe we are doing, under difficult circumstances, a very good job,” said Jerard adding, “We're sorry that the timing is such that it's coming later than some members of the Selectboard wanted.”