Delinquent tax collector asks Select Board for executive-session discussion on potential tax-sale litigation; board seeks attorney guidance

Delinquent tax collector Don Chaffee told the Rutland Town Select Board on Oct. 26 he needs an executive-session meeting to discuss potential litigation arising from delinquent-tax accounts and a related tax-sale process.

Chaffee said the materials he would present include confidential account information and amounts that are not public records; he asked for executive-session authority under the statute permitting discussion of pending or probable civil litigation. Board members questioned whether the item could be handled without immediate executive session and noted new state rules and procedural changes make the legal basis for such sessions more complex.

The board declined to move directly into executive session without first consulting the town attorney and directed staff to add the item to a future agenda after the town attorney provides guidance on whether and how the discussion should be held behind closed doors. Chaffee said he will continue preparing the materials and that he needs the board's authorization to proceed properly.

No formal vote on tax sale or litigation was taken at the meeting; the board's next step is to seek a legal opinion so it can ensure any executive-session discussion complies with state law and preserves due-process rights of affected taxpayers.