HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-01-23-TDES-min RECEIVED
2023 24 a , 2:13 p
TOWN CLERK
LEXINGTON MA Selectmen's Tax Deferral and Exemption (TD+E) Study Committee
Meeting Minutes
A meeting of the Tax Deferral and Exemption Committee was called to order at 6:04 PM
on January 23, 2020, in the Reed Room at the Lexington Town Office Building.
Members present were: Vicki Blier; Pat Costello; Dick Bair, Jane Current, Carolyn
Kosnoff, Assistant Town Manager for Finance; and Select Board member Joe Pato.
The purposes of the meeting-
1.
eeting:1. Approve prior meeting minute
2. Discuss and make a recommendation on a Selectman's Warrant Article to
pursue Special Legislation via Home Rule Petition to allow Lexington to grant a
one-year grace period upon the death of the property owner before the interest
rate that Lexington charges on the property owner's Property Tax Deferrals
changes to the State-mandated interest rate of 16%.
3. Discuss any updates, new information, or questions concerning Tax Deferrals
and Exemptions.
Meeting Results:
1. Minutes of the November 14, 2019 meeting were reviewed and unanimously
approved for posting.
2. Discussion on the grace period covered the topics: how many cases of tax collection
on properties of deceased residents are there? and likely impact on Town finances from
a one-year grace period after death of a resident before taxes are collected. The
responses indicated that not many properties fall into this category each year and that
the impact on Town finances from such a policy would be minimal. As a result, all
attendees felt that this policy change would be the humane action to take by the Town.
Motion:
The Selectman's tax exemption and deferral study committee moves to advise the
Select Board to petition the State for Special Legislation to allow the Town of Lexington
to grant a one-year grace period upon the death of the property owner before increasing
the interest rate currently mandated under the General Laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
The motion was proposed and passed unanimously.
3. Topics for future meetings. Other tax relief for property owners such as that allowed
under State law for veterans under Section 18A of the laws.
The meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.
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Next Meeting: TBA
Respectfully submitted,
Dick Bair
Minutes approved January 5, 2023
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