Selectboard Meeting - Dec. 9th, 2024

Agenda

1. Open meeting
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Open Tax classification hearing
4. Set Town property tax rate
5. Close Tax Classification hearing
6. Appoint Tom Bona to the Board of Assessors
7. Interview Candidates for the Town Administrator position
8. Public comments
9. Review and/or approve minutes
10. Review and/or approve warrants
11. Adjourn

Minutes

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Robert Norcross at 5:00pm. Selectman Colton Andrews and Daniel Haskins were present. Emily Shilling, Assessor for the town, was also present. Tammy Daniels from iBerkshire was also in attendance.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited

Chairman Robert Norcross opened the Public Hearing for the tax classification. Emily Schilling, the Assessor presented the FY25 tax rate. The Assessor explained the recap sheet recommended maintaining a single tax rate. Emily explained the total value was up nine million from last year, $158,167,883 to $167,259,371, reflecting 95.7% being residential. 4.3% commercial and personal property. She noted there are 613 single family homes in Clarksburg and 63 other types. The average family home assessment increased about $13,000.  Residents may see a $200 reduction in their tax bill, the average bill last year was $3,410, this year it is estimated to be $3,194.  The tax rate will see a drop this year from $15.35 per $1,000 to $13.58.

Assessor Emily Schilling noted the amount of taxes to be raised for the town FY25 budget is $2,271,382 to support the $6,177 million budget. The balance will be funded though state and local receipts, enterprise funds and some free cash $499,371.

Chairman Robert Norcross said some residents will see an increase in taxes because their assessment has gone up, most will see a decrease. He reminded residents they can file for an abatement before February 1^st. Select Board members Colton Andrews and Daniel Haskins both said their questions had been answered in the Assessor’s presentation.

Chairman Robert Norcross called for a motion to accept the tax rate at $13.58, on motion of Selectman Andrews, duly seconded by Selectman Haskins it was voted to accept as presented, all were in favor.

On motion of Selectman Colton Andrews, duly seconded by Selectman Daniel Haskins, it was voted to close the Public Hearing.

Chairman Robert Norcross recommended the appointment of Tom Bona to the Board of Assessors. He explained that it is required to have three members on this board. Tom is involved with the town, and he would be a good fit for the board. He spoke to Tom and told him it would not require a lot of time; this is the busiest time for the Board of Assessors.

On motion of Selectmen Colton Andrews, duly seconded by Selectman Daniel Haskins, it was voted to confirm the appointment.

Chairman Robert Norcross said the next order of business was to interview for the position of Town Administrator. The first candidate for tonight is Ronald Boucher. The Chair asked Mr. Boucher what drew him to this position and why do you want to be considered.

Mr. Boucher started out by explaining his experience in government. I have been involved in politics for 23 years, started as a City Councilor for the City of North Adams, served on the Finance Committee as the chair, Public Safety Committee, a Selectman for the town and presently on the Planning Board. When Carl stepped down, I filled the position for eight months. Having a good connection with State and Local Officials is very important. The Administrator needs to be a salesman for the town, first impressions are lasting ones. It’s important to maximize your resources. I have the time to give and the driven ability to do the job. I believe the school needs to be looked at very closely, it is over half of the town’s budget, I had a good relationship with the Superintendent of Schools when I was on the Select Board. Mr. Boucher noted it was time to change the course of how Clarksburg is.

Selectman Daniel Haskins said the town needs someone who is aggressive and can work more with the grants that are available. Chair Robert Norcross noted that there was a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Mr. Boucher said he can handle stress, set priorities and use his resources, I can multitask. Since residents make the decisions, it is important to be honest and able to communicate. Chair Norcross asked Selectman Andrews if he had any questions, but said all his concerns have been addressed. It’s important to be transparent.

Robert Norcross questioned if the town should hire a grant writer. There is a lot of work and follow-up needed. Mr. Boucher admitted he did not have any experience in grant writing, but he has no problems reaching out to individuals. He asked the board if they were to consider a split, part time administrator and part time grant writer. Selectman Haskins asked if part time would work for him. He said he would. Selectman Colton Andrews said they would like an administrator sooner than later, right now we need to hire a full-time administrator. Ron said he would be available to start on January 7^th.

Chairman Robert Norcross said that the board received several applications for the position and two more candidates are set to interview next week.

The Chair called for any Public Comments, hearing none he moved to approval of the minutes. At this time, they did not have any minutes to approve.

The Board signed and approved the warrants.

With no further business to come before the Select Board, Colton Andrew made a motion to adjourn, duly seconded by member Daniel Haskins.

Adjourned at 5:43pm

Respectfully submitted

Marilyn Gomeau

Town Clerk

Approved

__________________                  __________________                  _______________

Robert Norcross, Chair                 Daniel Haskins                                 Colton Andrews