MINUTES OF VALA DIRECTORS’ MEETING
The meeting was called to order by President Mark Paulsen at
Louise Ferris-Burt
John Vickery
Pauline Moore
Galen
Daphne Gratiot Pomfret
Sandy Haas, Rep
Robert L Sanborn
Terry Knight PVR
Charlene Lathrop
Lyle K Morrison Grafton
Phyllis Newton
Joyce Scribner
Yvonne Ruda-Welch Unifund
Allan Lockyer Barre
Caroline Lockyer
Janet Stowell Thetford
Donna Durkee Thetford
Noel
Pat French
Lois P Trenn & Guest Benson
Tom Vickery Stowe Lamoille
Randy Viens
Mark Paulsen
Carol Hammond
Tambrey
Vutech
A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the July 12, 2006 meeting. The motion passed.
The Treasurer’s report is as follows:
Previous Balance $ 4,225.32
Expense—Food - 21.97
4,203.35
Dues through 9/1/2006 1,095.00
Balance as of 9/6/2006 $ 5,298.35
(One check from 7/12 not cleared--$21.97 to St J.)
A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer’s report. The motion passed.
A motion was made and seconded to donate $25.00 to the church to cover expenses of holding the September VALA meeting there.
VLCT: 2007 Municipal
Policy calls on the Governor and Legislature to reform current education
funding laws ….one of the suggestions is to “Have the State appraise all
property and notify towns of grand list values to use for school and municipal
taxes.” This would essentially eliminate
the position of Lister in the State of
This suggestion was not passed unanimously by the VLCT board—it was a 6-3 vote.
Much discussion followed as to the reasons why VLCT, who has traditionally supported local control in municipalities, would make this recommendation. Various viewpoints were expressed and Mark asked for a vote of those present as to VALA’s position on C1. The vote was unanimous against the position of VLCT. The membership is encouraged to contact Steve Jeffrey with their comments and suggestions.
Terry Knight PVR
Terry reported that Susan Monte is the new staff attorney,
replacing Charles Merriman who recently resigned that position. Susan has previously been associated with
Bob Bradford has moved to a position in the Tax Department. Candidates have been interviewed for Bob’s position and a decision should be made by the end of the week. One of the reasons given for Bob’s move was frustration with Microsolve.
There were comments regarding the problems many have experienced with Microsolve, including towns that by pass the state and go directly to Microsolve for upgrades and problems with the newest versions of CAMA and APEX.
Educational offerings were sent out from PVR for the fall. Terry is hoping to offer Mass Appraisal 101 and 102 in the spring. She also needs commitments for the Income Approach Course. The Mass Appraisal Course is on the State’s approved courses list for certification purposes.
Checks have been mailed to the towns to help defray cost of courses offered by PVR.
A suggestion was made that the math course should be offered prior to the Income Approach Course.
Annual Meeting:
Morning session-- Rep. Alison Clarkson who will address the issue of the land use program, and Afternoon session—Tax Commissioner, Tom Pelham on education funding.
Subsidized housing: Caroline Lockyer
Major problems with the reporting of income and expenses by subsidized housing groups, with management fees being the main area of contention. There needs to be clarification on allowed expenses in order for fairness and consistency throughout the state.
Terry Knight said a workshop on subsidized housing will be offered in January which will be for both Listers and subsidized housing project owners/managers.
The question was raised as to whether income and expense reports have to be reviewed every year, and the answer was, that like other properties, the reports would be in effect until the next reappraisal unless substantial changes were made.
The 10% reduction for subsidized housing was discussed with a motion by Caroline for VALA to push for the elimination of the 10% reduction. The motion was seconded and passed.
Summer Study: Travel trailers—to tax or not to tax
Emily Berquist of Legislative Council has been gathering information for Ways and Means Committee on the pros and cons of taxing travel trailers. Listers that have concerns/comments for Emily are encouraged to contact her.
Nominating Committee:
Tom Vickery reported that since Mark Paulsen is willing to serve another year as President, that their recommendation is to nominate Mark for President at the Annual Meeting.
Mark informed the group that while his theme for this year will be “Time for a Change,”
next year’s theme will be “Throw the Bum Out.” In other words, this will be his last year as president of VALA. (so he says)
Education: John Vickery
VALA will be conducting two workshops at the fall MOM’s meetings:
Tom and John Vickery-- level of assessment vs. common level of assessment.
John Vickery—Subsidized housing
PVR—a panel discussion on current use
PVR—appeals to superior court
PVR—Listers Open Forum
Legislative: Caroline Lockyer
The utilities issue—net book vs. fair market value—was not activated – nothing done on it
Exemptions: Caroline Lockyer
The Legislature wants to form a committee to study the exemption law.
Caroline stated that her goal is to get tax exemption eligibility set at the state level, so that it would be consistent throughout the state.
Lister of the Year: Mark Paulsen
Reasonable progress is being made.
Microsolve/CAMA: Pauline Moore
She has met with Tom Pelham and he is aware of frustration of dealing with Microsolve.
Noel spoke about the new version and has been looking for feedback on towns that are using it. There were many comments about the lack of communication regarding upgrades—who gets them, how does a town know there is an upgrade available, etc. Problem regarding towns that circumvent the state and go directly to Microsolve was reiterated. Presently, the 2006 upgrade is at IT for testing. Microsolve does not test the upgrades—it is up to IT to test. There is also a problem with APEX not connecting correctly with CAMA.
John suggested that the contract between Microsolve and the State be examined to see if there is any breach of contract. The State has been aware of problems with the program, but does not want to make a change because they have too much invested with Microsolve.
A reminder to all that the Annual Meeting is Friday, September 15, 2006 and the next regular meeting will be held on November 1, 2006 at the Randolph Town Office building.
With no other business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Hammond, Secretary.