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Minutes of the Special
Town Board Meeting held Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at 5:30 PM,
at the Keene Town Hall. The following Town Board Members were
present: William B. Ferebee, Supervisor, Paul R. Martin, Robert
M. Biesemeyer, Marcy A. Neville and Lawrence Jaques, Members
of Council. Also present were: Jim McDonough, Bill Washburn
and Donna Combs, Assessors, Tony Goodwin and Bill Reed, Board
of Assessment Review, Barry Miller, Director of Essex County
Real Property Services, Ron Briggs, Town Attorney and Ellen
Estes, Town Clerk.
The Chairman, Mr. Ferebee, called the meeting to order at
5:34 PM and explained that the Town Board had requested this
joint meeting with the Assessors to discuss the 15% increase
in the property assessments.
Mr. Biesemeyer asked how the comparatives were selected that
justify this 15% increase.
Mr. McDonough explained that the State uses the last 5 years
sales and gave a copy of this to those present.
Mr. Jaques asked if this list is the only sales reported.
A discussion followed regarding the accuracy of the sale prices
reported. Mr. Briggs explained the legal standpoint of including
furnishing in a sale price.
There was discussion regarding sale prices.
Mr. Miller said that sale prices are not down in Keene.
Mr. Biesemeyer didn’t agree, saying that realtors are saying
sales and sale prices are down.
Ms. Neville said it was in the paper that sale prices are
down 10% in Essex County.
Mr. Biesemeyer asked what would happen if the Assessors didn’t
follow the State amount of raising the assessments 15% to
stay at the100% value.
Mr. Miller explained that if the Townwide assessment is not
kept at 100% value the taxpayers would lose benefits like
Star and Veterans exemptions.
The next discussion was in regards to State land.
Ms. Neville asked if the State land is also increased.
Mr. Miller explained that this is done automatically and explained
the agriment assessment.
With all comments made and questions answered the meeting
was adjourned at 6:34 PM.
Ellen S. Estes, Town Clerk
April 10, 2008
William B. Ferebee, Supervisor
Paul R. Martin, Councilperson
Robert M. Biesemeyer, Councilperson
Marcy A. Neville, Councilperson
Lawrence Jaques, Councilperson
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