Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Exemption Church Property topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board staff report church minister struggling with $12,000 tax bill; staff to coordinate outreach
Summary
Town staff reported minister Nathan Davis of Bula Fellowship is willing to pay a roughly $12,000 tax bill but currently lacks funds and is confused why exemption paperwork did not prevent billing; staff proposed outreach and a meeting to review paperwork and next steps.
Town staff told the Select Board a representative of Bula Fellowship, Nathan Davis (minister), has a roughly $12,000 property tax bill and is seeking assistance in navigating exemption paperwork and the lien process.
A staff member said they spoke with Nathan Davis and with Mandy (the assessor) and that Davis believes he completed exemption paperwork but still received tax bills during the last cycle. Staff told the board Davis wants to pay but said he lacks the funds before an upcoming lien deadline and is uncertain which materials were filed.
Staff described Davis as “unprepared” for the lien process and said he would benefit from a formal meeting to clarify the documentation the town needs to consider a property tax exemption for church property. The staff member recommended sending a formal letter inviting Davis to meet with town staff and the assessor to review paperwork and possible options; staff emphasized that municipal processes and any legal remedies must be followed.
The board directed staff to reach out and arrange a formal meeting with Davis and to provide him clear written instructions on the documentation required. No decision was made on abating or postponing a lien; staff said if Davis could pay before the lien process proceeds, that would prevent lien action.
Ending — Next steps: Staff will send a formal letter and coordinate a meeting with Nathan Davis and the assessor to review exemption paperwork and options before lien proceedings move forward.
