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Board reviews abatement procedures; deliberations to occur in executive session
Summary
Members reviewed the process for hearing abatement requests: quorum requirements, five days' notice, evidence review, public testimony, site visits when needed, and deliberative sessions in executive session to reach a written decision.
The board reviewed established abatement procedures, reaffirming that requests receive five days' notice, documents are reviewed in advance, testimony is taken (including possible testimony from the lister), and any member with a conflict must recuse. "We do enter into a deliberative session for the purpose of discussing, and deciding, whether to grant the abatement or not," the Chair said, clarifying that deliberations are held outside the public hearing.
Members noted that abatements historically have been granted in cases of catastrophic change to property condition (for example, a fire that changed the property's taxable condition after April 1). The Chair emphasized that abatements, if granted, reduce tax revenue and the cost is spread across city taxpayers over time; appeals are limited to process errors such as failure to provide required notice.
