Assessors defend overlay account; Advisory tables surplus decision until January

Templeton — Deputy Assessor Justice Graves told the Templeton Advisory Committee on a discussion of the assessor overlay (rebate) account that the account exists only to cover property tax exemptions, abatements and uncollectible taxes and that only the Board of Assessors can raise money into or transfer funds out of it. The overlay account “bridges” the gap when exemptions and abatements reduce taxes that were previously committed, Graves said, adding that towns may not use overlay funds for legal expenses or other operating costs. He said the account balance was about $742,897.15 and that exemptions and abatements granted in the most recent fiscal year totaled $117,982.88. The explanation followed an audit recommendation from the town auditor (Roselli & Company) that the overlay was larger than needed. Graves cited Department of…