Re-evaluation Concerns Top Meeting
By Doug La Rocque
Notices recently went out to all property owners in the town, notifying them as to what their new full value assessment will be on this year’s tax roll, and for a number of people, the figures are not sitting well. It’s part of the 2019 program to bring Grafton assessments up to full value, as opposed to the partial value system currently in place.
It has been more than 30 years since there has been a town-wide re-evaluation, which has resulted in Grafton having the lowest equalization rate in the County, at 8.9 percent. At the Monday, March 11 meeting of the Town Board, Supervisor Ingrid Gundrum read a letter from Sherry and Peter Bearup, in which they stated a small percentage of the properties in the Town will bear the burden of any tax increase, and that in their neighborhood, Babcock Lake, they estimated assessments are going up 19 to 30 percent. There were also questions raised by members of the Board and those in attendance, as to whether the Assessor, David Galarneau, had actually visited each of the 1900-plus properties in the Town, or had relied on pictometry as the basis for his new assessment calculations. Supervisor Gundrum indicated she would speak to Mr. Galarneau about this, but added she has run his assessment numbers by both County and State officials, and been told they appear to be in line with what should be expected.
How to Challenge the Changes
Ms. Gundrum said the Assessor is currently setting aside 15-minute windows to discuss the new assessments with property owners, though you must first make an appointment with him. That may be done by calling his office at 518-279-3565 or by email at davegalarneau@yahoo.com.
If not satisfied after the conference, you can file to speak on so called “grievance day” before the Board of Assessment review. That date is Wednesday, May 29 from 4 to 8 pm at the Town Hall. At that time, it is incumbent upon the property owner to present proof their assessment is incorrect. That can be done by having your property appraised by a license appraiser, and/or by presenting comparable assessments that prove your property is over-assessed.
Ms. Gundrum called it a complicated process from start to finish, and said she fully expects the Town will face a number of lawsuits from people who did not receive the relief they hoped for from the Board of Assessment Review. Such was the case a few years back, when the Assessor changed a number of land only values in the town.
Contract Negotiations
Councilman Eric Buckley said lawyers from both sides are still talking about re-opening contract negotiations between the town and the Teamsters Union, which represents some employees of the Town’s highway department. The word some is used here, because most of the employees who voted to be represented by the Teamsters are no longer employed. Mr. Buckley said he is looking into the possibility of a re-certification vote. The only other highway matter brought before the Board Monday night, was the purchase of a used grader from the Town of Pittstown, for $75,000. The question was raised as to how much it would cost to repair the Town’s 2010 grader, or whether it would be wiser to use the $75,000 as a down payment on a new piece of equipment. The Board decided to discuss the matter more at its March 25 workshop meeting.
Department Reports
The Rescue Squad reported 12 calls in February, with 2 requiring ALS assistance. The Library noted it is going fine free as of April 1, the exception being new DVD rentals. Dog Control Officer Vicki Burdick reported two calls, one involving a dog that had killed other animals. She reported that was settled on site. Town Clerk, Vicki Burdick turned over $1,956 in February revenues. Building and Codes Enforcement reported 5 new building permits out to date, and that court action is underway involving a property on Mill Road.
Under new business, Ms. Gundrum reported the windstorm damage to the Town Hall has been turned over to an insurance adjuster, and that the Board is working on Employee Handbook updates concerning cell phone usage and smoking on or in town property. The reformation of an Ethics Board will also be part of the upcoming workshop meeting. Martha Goss was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Planning Board. The meeting was adjourned in memory of Joseph Castiglione.