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Charlemont assessors approve warrants, CAI tax‑map contract and abatements; apply for $9,739 IT grant and review vendor options
Summary
The Board unanimously approved motor‑vehicle excise commitments, a Fiscal Year 2026 tax‑map maintenance contract with CAI, and the monthly abatements/exemptions list; it also authorized exploration of Cidaire’s taxpayer-communication services and applied for a $9,739 Community Compact IT Grant to support an AP‑5 software upgrade that will require new Microsoft SQL Server licensing.
On Feb. 10, 2025, the Charlemont Board of Assessors approved a package of routine administrative items and took preliminary steps to modernize its assessment office software and taxpayer communications.
On a motion by Chair Jacqueline Cashin, seconded by Member Anthony Ostroski, the board unanimously approved the warrant to the collector and notice of commitment for 2024 motor‑vehicle excise (commitment #7) and 2025 commitment #1; the Fiscal Year 2026 tax‑map maintenance contract with CAI; the monthly list of abatements and exemptions for January 2025; and posting of the public notice regarding FY2026 certification. Assessor's Clerk Carlene Hayden said forms and income/expense notices have been sent to taxpayers.
Hayden also presented information from Cidaire, Inc. about a dedicated assessor website, digital forms, and an "Understanding Your Taxes" booklet; the board agreed she should contact the vendor for further information.
Separately, Hayden said she applied for a Community Compact IT Grant to help fund an AP‑5 software upgrade. Materials from Catalis indicate the upgrade will require purchase of Microsoft SQL Server Standard Edition and client access licenses; Hayden obtained a quote and requested $9,739 in grant funding to cover the upgrade and associated licensing.
The meeting included an appointment by Town Clerk Thorne Palmer to notarize board signatures on an amended Chapter 61 classification lien for Smith Investment Trust. The board adjourned at 7:14 p.m. and voted to enter executive session under G.L. Chapter 59, Section 60 to deliberate on pending abatement and exemption applications; the board did not reconvene in open session. Roll call: Cashin — Yes; Ostroski — Yes.
