Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Goshen board approves proposed tax certiorari settlement for 77 Main Street
Loading...
Summary
Town counsel presented a proposed consent judgment resolving a tax certiorari for Mineward Realty at 77 Main Street, citing an arm’s‑length sale and recommending a retroactive reduction; the board approved the settlement by roll call and discussed reducing assessments in 2026 to avoid refunds.
The Town of Goshen board voted Nov. 25 to approve a proposed consent judgment resolving a tax certiorari petition involving Mineward Realty and a property at 77 Main Street.
Town counsel (identified in the meeting as Mister Romero) told the board the property was sold earlier in the year in what he described as an arm’s‑length transaction and cited the reported sales price in the record. Counsel said errors in prior filings removed some earlier tax years from consideration, leaving three tax years subject to judicial review, and recommended the town accept a negotiated reduction rather than litigate further.
Why it matters: counsel said the sale is the best evidence of market value and recommended a retroactive reduction in assessment and then a voluntary reduction in the 2026 assessment to reduce future refund liability. Board members asked whether a new owner could file a new certiorari; counsel responded the new owner could file but the town seeks to avoid that outcome through the proposed reduction.
Vote and outcome: the board moved and called the question. A roll call recorded “Aye” from Council member Cantarino, Council member Weiner, Council member Malauulu and the Supervisor; the motion to approve the tax certiorari settlement passed. The board discussed follow‑up with the assessor to reflect the reduced amount on the tentative rolls for 2026.
Details and remaining questions: counsel gave the sale price on the record as roughly $612,500 and said the assessment plan anticipates a voluntary reduction for 2026 to minimize refund obligations. Some members pressed for precision on the reduced assessment figure discussed in the hearing; the transcript included a mix of shorthand figures and board members requested a clear, written accounting so the assessor and town clerk can document next steps.
