Selectboard questions rebilling of misbilled tax and approves abatement for defunct parcel

At the July 6 meeting Phyllis Skidmore explained that a property owned by The Archeological Conservancy had been mistakenly billed to Vermont Housing, producing a delinquent notice for 2025. Per Phyllis, Terri Guildersleeve, the district advisor, told the town that the period for errors and omissions has passed, which may prevent the town from rebilling the correct party. Phyllis said the error was on both the Grand List and the tax bill and that it has since been corrected.

Selectboard member Sheila Kearns asked for clarification on whether the issue was an error on the Grand List or only the tax bill; Phyllis confirmed both were affected and said the entry is now corrected. The board agreed to ask the town attorney for a final determination. The Selectboard authorized Julie Robertson to call the town attorney for advice; pending that legal guidance, Jessica Lewis will proceed with billing The Archeological Conservancy if the attorney says the town may do so.

Phyllis also raised a separate delinquent-tax item: a small 2021 balance tied to a now-defunct parcel that had been combined with a neighboring parcel after the owner's death. The Town's land records include a court order indicating the decedent's debts and taxes were paid. Selectboard member Linda Schmidt moved to abate the taxes, including penalties and interest; Jessica Pendleton seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The board did not identify a statutory citation in the meeting minutes beyond a statute provided by Terri that the board will bring to the attorney for review. The meeting record shows the board took two actions: referral to counsel on the misbilling question and a formal abatement vote on the defunct parcel.