<FCFORMSHEADER>
<?xml version="1.0"?>

<!DOCTYPE FIRSTCLASS SYSTEM "firstclass.dtd">

<firstclass>

	<fcobject objtype="oDocument" formid="96" objname="Meeting Minutes">

		<subject index="0" >March 20, 2006</subject>

		<field id="8010" index="0" type="text">Meeting Minutes</field>

		<field id="2000" index="0" type="number">0</field>

		<field id="3999" index="0" type="number">0</field>

	</fcobject>

</firstclass>

</FCFORMSHEADER>

March 20, 2006

Present:  Deb McMenamy, George Shippey, John Hart, Elliot Vines, Michael Blay, Principal Assessor, Karen from CTSB and Jorja Marsden (Cris Irsfeld was not feeling well and could not come to the meeting)

Michael Blay, Principal Assessor, at the request of the Board of Selectmen was present to discuss the Residential Exemption option which is one of three options that may be adopted by the Board during the Tax Classification process before setting a tax rate.  Michael stated that if adopted, the Residential Exemption may be up to twenty percent of the average assessed value of all residential properties.  This exemption applies to every residential property which is the principal residence of a taxpayer.  The exemption does not apply to accessory land incidental to a residential use, summer homes, or to residential property not occupied by its owner.  This would include rental properties.

John Hart commented that the property values keep going up over a short period of time; whatever can be done to lower it.  John is trying to find a way to protect the elderly and young so that they can afford to live here.  John wants the Selectmen and the Assessors to consider a split tax rate.

The time to decide the Residential Exemption or a split tax rate is at the Classification Hearing.  The Selectmen will continue these thoughts for that meeting.

With no other business George made a motion to adjourn at 7:59 p.m.  Deb seconded the motion.  The motion to adjourn was passed unanimously.

						A true copy, ATTEST: