Meeting is open. >> All right. Meeting is >> Are we being recorded? >> Yes. >> Yes, we are. >> I always forget what my >> first time around. All right. So, am I
um opening for the tax clarification and then right away for the tax hearing. >> Okay, Bill, >> all right. >> So, why don't we do these minutes quick
first? We've got meetings minutes from October 30th and November 3rd. That is a long one, huh? >> November 3rd. October 30th was the interview. >> So motion to pre approve the meeting
minutes from October 30th to November 3rd as written. Any discussion? Go. All in favor? I. >> Okay. So, is there wording I need to open the hearing? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, you you want to open the tax
classification here for fiscal 26. >> Okay. That's what I want to do. Joanne, do I need to do uh will we vote on it or do we just open it? >> Typically, you would >> we would vote on it. Okay. Um is there a second?
>> Second. Any discussion? Nope. All in favor? >> I Okay. And then you take over or am I still >> Well, I know we do this every year, but
>> every year depends on different things. >> So, here's the actual information that Alex put together. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, A. >> And it should be noted that the tax
rates in there are based upon what is on the town warrant from the 19th, which is $370,000 in free cash. >> Okay? >> So, if that were to change, the tax rates would change as well. >> Okay? Um but you can see that the
current tax rate with that $370,000 will go from $171 to 1256 or 85 cents. >> Yeah. >> Um if we were to the whole purpose of this meeting was that a classification versus different classifications for
tax. If we Alex has said that if we increase commercial taxes by 4%. It decreases residential taxes by 1%. But that doesn't hold in Blandford because most
of our commercial taxes are under pilot programs. So they don't get impacted by a tax increase. So if we increased the taxes, we'd have to end up paying them back because here would go through the process because all of our pilot
programs have an escalator clause in them. >> Yep. >> Typically it's 2 or 3%. But if we raise taxes by more than that, it doesn't impact them. >> And because you don't you have to go through after the tax bills are gone, go
back and figure out what they're going to get reimbured for that. Oh wow. >> So for Bford, it really doesn't make any sense for us to do more than a single tax. >> Yeah. >> So that's the only thing the board has to vote is to move forward setting a
classification rate for a single rate. >> But we can't do that until the 19th after the special time meeting because we have to know that we actually voted 370,000 in three patch. So, what you should do today is to vote to adjourn
this meeting until the 19th of December immediately following the special town meeting. At that point, because you've got the information, you just take a vote. That vote can go to do and we can set our tax rate and get the tax bill up by June. >> Okay.
>> Um, we've already put together an agenda for immediately after the special because we weren't sure there's no meeting agenda for after the special town meeting. So we did one specifically to reconvene this meeting. >> Okay. >> Okay.
>> That being said, we can still cover the highlights. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Sure. >> By way of introduction, uh I think you know this gentleman, I'm Harold Shai, regional tax, regional means I work in a number of communities. uh Glenn for
being one of those communities that I've been involved with now for I think approaching 10 years probably maybe eight not sure I've lost track but it's uh it's been a good run. I'm joined by
my colleague uh Alex and uh Michaela came on board with us a few months ago. Uh Alex is our associate regional assessor assigned to Blandford. he's the regular presence. I've actually asked him to uh uh touch on a few highlights
in the document that we have before you and and then we'll both uh respond to any questions that come up. >> Nice to meet you. >> You as well. Yeah, we'll just go through the document real quick and then we can answer any questions you have. >> Yeah. So, the amount of money that
Blandford is going to raise in FY26 is uh 4,17,652. So, that's up 13% 13.5% over what you raised last year. >> Okay. >> Um we have some room in levy. We have new growth revenue around $35,000. So,
that's like new home construction or like new new It's like free free money. I mean, it's not free, but you know, it's kind of new tax dollars you don't have to raise. >> Um, scrolling down a little bit. The uh Okay, we have our levy to be raised. You
have excess levy capacity of 385,987. So, that's a good thing. You're not the credit card isn't maxed out. You know, that's nice. Um, right below that there's kind of a diagram that shows what percentage of your tax dollars come from what class.
So far and away most of your operating budget for the town comes from residential property. >> So 73% of your dollars that you spend come from residential. Um, and then the second largest class is personal property. So, personal property is interesting because it includes um
people normally think of it as like objects in second homes, but it's also like solar stuff and anything that um isn't attached to a house. So, anything you could pick up and take with you if you moved. Mhm. So >> yeah,
>> I didn't mean to but but that would include marijuana facilities uh as well as the solar projects are assessed and taxed under personal property. >> Okay, >> the panels inverters.
>> And then on the next page, um you have a look at your tax rates. of in fiscal year 25, the tax rates per thousand of value was $11.71. That's increasing to $1256
in fiscal year 2026. And the reason for that is increased town spending. Um I know Dave has a better breakdown than I do, but in my understanding, some of that is attributed to um legal council and highway department spending. Mhm.
>> So, the reason for the that's the reason for your increase and if um if you go down the average home value in 2025 in Blandford was right around $350,000 and the tax bill last year would have
been around $4,000. So, looking forward to fiscal year 2026, the average home's value has gone up. And this is based on sales that happened in calendar year 2024. So, it's not today, it's what happened in 2024. So, the average home
value is going up to 372,000. And the part that you're probably most interested in here is that the average tax bill will increase by $63 for the average property owner in Brford. And that's to offset new
spending from the town. So, and then going on to the next page, um, this is a breakdown of how your value works in Blandford. So, you can see how many single family homes you have, 515, how many vacant lots that are developable
through personal property, agricultural, recreation, and then the dollar values associated with those. So, >> and it's our recommendation that you go with the single rate tax because historically Blamford's never had a a two rate and you need a huge increase on
your small number of commercial properties to get a small decrease for for residential. It's doesn't seem to be worth it. So, >> so yeah, we can take any questions you guys have related to this solar is that considered
personal property? >> Yes. >> So, but you can't take it with you. >> Well, if if I could elaborate this facility, >> you got me confused. >> There are actually two components to the solar projects. There's the what you see
the solar panels, inverters, everything that is required to generate electricity. Uh that is what we term personal property. By removable we mean that yes it could be unbolted and moved. Uh but
um we would uh we utilize our personal property system to um implement the pilot payments that are due uh from those projects. The second component is the real estate. The land underneath the
project is actually assessed uh at a much higher per acre rate than say just vacant residential land. So there there are two bumps in value that we get for solar project.
>> Do you remember who we hired? We hired someone to do um to work out our pilot programs uh few years back and I'm trying to remember. >> Yeah. Roy Bishop, I believe. >> Bishop. >> Okay. I I remembering that it went well
um and that we were happy with the outcome. So, I know that we're talking about going through the same situation. >> So, um I would now be handling uh any of those >> Okay. >> Uh projects, proposed projects, uh at
least for those that are seeking a pilot agreement. >> Okay. >> Um I have >> considerable experience with >> you doing that for us. Okay. >> Yes. >> Can I just ask is that already included in Yes. Okay. Thank you. That's enough.
Although there's an opportunity within the Weed. >> No, I I'm not going to walk that back. But you have the ability uh uh as part of the the pilot contract to >> recover
costs. So theoretically, a portion of what we charge for >> our services could come back. >> Got it. Uhhuh. >> One quick question and then I have another question on the whole pilot thing, but does this increase include
the 370 assuming it's transferred? Okay. Just want to make sure. >> Yes. >> Um the other question then is what's your opinion >> on is it Harl? >> Harl Harl. >> Excellent. >> On um pilot versus just taxes. Oh,
>> do you have an opinion on that? >> So, I've probably been involved. There was upwards of a hundred pilot projects across the Commonwealth. Um, there was a day and time when all solar developers wanted to have their
projects covered by uh pilot agreements and in large measure because they wanted certainty around what their annual obligation to the community would be in way of of taxes. Um
the uh newer projects now I'm finding about half the developers want pilots, half don't. Um those that uh aren't seeking pilot agreements are less concerned with um
the um the certainty around what what they pay annually. uh they like to keep open their options to appeal the assessments uh of of their projects. Let me back up
a second to say absent a pilot agreement, the town is and the assessors are still obligated to value and tax uh those assets. Uh there's no free ride. uh uh and the uh
as the cost to develop these projects declines, there is um a possibility that a project that we assessed this year could come under appeal down the road.
Um their argument being that um that the cost to build these projects is declining. that should be reflected in their assessment. There's also the potential for argument around depreciation. The project that they build um would tend to depreciate over
time. Assessors have a different view of depreciation than the developers. Uh uh typically we're much less generous when it comes to depreciating the value of these projects. Um I mean I've I've seen
proformance from developers who uh uh believe that their projects are worth next to nothing after five years. Uh they depreciate them very aggressively. >> Our depreciation would be tied really more to uh the degradation in the
project as as these projects projects age. there's a small uh decline in the efficiency of those projects. Usually uh a little less than 1% per year. >> Uh so our depreciation is much less
aggressive. So to wrap that all up, uh what I personally like about the pilot agreements is it takes all of those future arguments for lower valuation and lower tax off the table. And that would be in lower tax.
>> Yeah. So very confusing uh uh before um the do ruled back in I think 2018 that uh pilot projects were build outside of the
assessor's assessment system. We simply looked once a year at the contract. Oh, they owe us $50,000. send them a bill for 50,000 and that money would come in uh as revenue apart from um the property
taxes. Mhm. Uh they came to us in 2018 and said, "Well, we really want you to build these through your personal property system." Posed a real challenge for us because we have an agreement which fixes the amount
that they have to pay. That payment has a valuation equivalent. So our systems deal with values. to get that value we have to back into that valuation even before knowing what our
tax rate is. So now what we face with our pilot projects is a situation where we build them um a conventional personal property tax and then once a year we have to reconcile. Oh okay. Uh we build
them too much or too little. uh we have to make a a a fifth entry into our system to compensate either in form of an abatement if they pay too much or an additional revised assessment if we've underve
>> um this is really very timely and very interesting and I think it's important for all of us to understand it because um we have one right that just got approved through planning and there's been no discussion at all about whether we're going to do a pilot program or
whether or not we're just going to tax, right? So, um we need some guidance as to how to start that process because I feel like we're a little late to the table for discussion with these guys with this first one. Um and so we need
to create a process that we can, you know, >> so so let me comment to say that neither party is under obligation to enter into a pilot agreement. the select board and the town um by statute isn't required to enter into
an agreement. It's totally voluntary. On the developer side, um it's really up to them to to pursue a pilot agreement. um by way of process. If a um a developer typically through
the town administrator uh makes it known that they want to enter into a pilot agreement, the administrator would bring me in to then start the process. I have a uh about a four-page questionnaire all the
information I need to develop an assessment. Um I will develop that assessment. We have a a meeting to look over my um uh my work up and my recommendation. Uh
then um once we have consensus, I can go back to the developer and say, "Okay, this is what the town offers is offering in the way of a a pilot." >> And what stage in the process do we usually start that conversation? Well, as soon as the developer makes it
known that they're interested in entering into a pilot agreement. >> So, we have to wait for them to say that they're interested or >> um I I don't see >> any harm in the town reaching out and and saying we're interested. Uh we'd
like to to enter into discussions with with you. Um >> good to go. Thank you. >> Um I'm just curious for this year. I feel like obviously there's a lot of like last minute, you know, with this
being um rescheduled for this week. What are your suggestions for next year to streamline this so we don't end up um running into this sort of last minute um situation where we have to have this you know meeting and >> don't have special time meetings after
the middle of August >> or the beginning of August because >> okay >> you can't set a tax rate until you have all your special time meetings do so DR won't even set a tax rate right now until we have our meeting under 19 >> so as we go forward and we spend And we
authorize $200,000 raising to to fight >> different things in town. And then again at the end of the fiscal year when or when they look at that this year for example is $80,000 deficit in snow and ice $20,000. I just need to get paid.
That all has to be rolled in tax. But in order for us to get the tax done early, what we need to do is be done with knowing when a raise and appropriate is so that that can go in. So you're think from August till when we shouldn't have special time meetings? >> Well, December
>> the closest the closer you can >> get to finishing up any special time meetings. So generally July we have a special time meeting to pay outstanding bills and that kind of stuff. >> Usually that's the end of it. >> Yeah. >> It's when you have these unexpected expenses like $200,000 there. We can't
do anything about snow and ice. We'll right or any other thing. But if we have all our spectrum meetings done by midepptember because the tax rate process starts really October 1st or or before. So so the sooner we we
know we're not going to have any special time meetings the faster we can start working on or approve. >> On our end though I feel like there was some paperwork some forms filled out late. there's I mean is there anything
that we could do to have um made this process a little bit easier so that we don't end up >> so I know that there was one form we were kind of really waiting on which would have identified sort of what had been going on uh the page four that took quite a while
to get the information for >> so one of the challenges is there are a lot of players right >> that um >> contribute >> contribute to the what we call the ann tax recap agenda.
>> Uh you've got um the town accountant, fair number of forms that have to be completed there, the town clerk, uh obviously us as assessors, but um our uh our involvement really centers around
the finalization of bodies. Mhm. >> So, um the treasure uh everybody needs to be focused on their piece. But until all those pieces
are pulled together, um by those various individuals, you um on our end, we're we're left to wondering a little bit. Okay, where are we going to land on the property tax levy? the pop property tax levy
uh and our total valuation uh tabulation. Those are the two ingredients that get us to a tax rate. >> So you would say you need everything completed by like when so that uh you have time to do what you
>> certainly no later than November. Uh, right. We'd like to have a classification hearing before Thanksgiving and >> okay, >> send off everything to do water before Thanksgiving so that the day after
Thanksgiving we've got a an improved tax rate >> because all those forms that are signed, they have to go back and be resigned if you have special time meetings because it changes. Well, and I, you know, I mean, I'm I'll be the first to say that I know nothing
about this process. And I think as we move into next year, we need to be clear, you know, all of us at least what the process is so we can hold people accountable, make sure that things are done timely, right? And that we know what we should not do, which you're
communicating that now to make it easier next year because we don't want to put everybody through this pressure. But we don't I don't really know what all those things are or how critical one thing is over another timing wise that
kind of thing. So this is educational for me. I think educational for all of us. No. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. Thank you. I just >> sorry. >> We have we
you know the uh small towns the the rumor mill rapid and uh we call it the jungle telegraph. Anyhow uh when you're taxing a solar array. All
right. Now you have your your solar race in a row and all that and that. Now someone said to me and I don't know that's why I'm
coming to you that the solar array covers an acre. All right. But you have a 14 acre solar array on 35 acres of land. So you have 35 acres of
land fenced in. Are they taxed on the 35 acres or just what the solar array covers? because uh there's a lot of you know there's a lot
of other towns that are in our our particular uh situation and uh you hear all these things. So does it cover just what the solar array covers or is it covered the whole acreage?
>> So take a hypothetical you have 50 acres 30 of it um is covered by solar panels. >> Yeah. of the 20 acres that's uh that surrounds the project. >> Yeah. >> Is taxable but or accessible but
accessible at uh our prevailing residential rate. >> Um the the solar acreage uh that is reflected in the solar developers plan. >> Yeah. which includes um
margins for um shade um >> and and all that that that acreage that's reflected on the developer's plan is what would be subject to a solar um land rate.
So my hypothetical 30 acres would be assessed at roughly $20,000 per acre. That's the value we've established for uh solar land. That same acreage without the solar development is assessed at
about $2,000 per acre. So, it's about a t-fold increase >> even though the whole thing's fenced in. Um the fence really doesn't >> well it it doesn't and and the view of the layman when they see uh you know
>> it it's really what they have on file as the official plan for the development. >> So that make that a little harder. >> No, not really. >> So I'm going to do the motion to adjurnn and then to reconvene um December 19th.
Journ to December 19th. >> Journ to December 19th. Um directly following the special tax. >> Perfect. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? No. >> All in favor? >> I >> I
thank you. >> Is there and you guys might be curious about this too. Is there a scenario when it would be beneficial for a town to not enter into a pilot with solar? because I'm learning this process too. Like what would that scenario be to tax them at a normal, you know, is there any time that
would be beneficial? >> Yeah. If the solar company doesn't want to meet what Harold believes is appropriate, >> I'm just I'm playing devil's advocate. Is there a scenario where it benefits the town to not have a pilot? I I don't
know. That's what I'm trying. >> Um, none comes to mind. >> Okay. It would be helpful if I put up like a if I made up like a mock schedule. >> Yes. >> For next year because I don't know this either. >> That would be very helpful.
>> Maybe I could work with Harold and >> yeah, >> Dave and sort of figure out okay >> that would be extremely helpful because we will just say Sarah did do that this year and it was widely ignored. Not >> by any >> Oh, really?
>> Interesting. >> Yeah. She had reached out in October actually. >> Oh. >> Um, so I think that's the problem. >> Okay. So, we should just take that >> and holding people accountable. We're a good certain we can hold people. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> You know, because we we have department level meetings every month now. So, and so we meet with all these departments that are involved to say, "Okay, this is coming up." Yeah. Right. >> Where are we at? We'll have to make sure next year in Septemberish y that we're
starting. >> Some people can send that to me though to catch help. >> But thank you for that. Absolutely. >> Thank you guys. >> Well, you guys are still here though for for B, right? >> You're here for B to write a refusal for property on Otis Road. >> Sorry, Harold.
>> I know. >> He's good. He'll be able to answer it. >> What's the question? >> The residents are here as well. >> Okay. Um, do you do you want to join us? >> Sure, >> feel free.
>> All right. Do you want to get us all on the same page, Christina, with us? I feel we can now. >> Sure. Yeah. I mean, they the assessors received a notice of filing for change of use. Is that correct? I would assume >> I believe you guys purchased property in
Blandford and you want to pull some of it out of chapter to build structure and part of that process is the town has to say we don't want to buy the land. So I think that's what we're doing now. >> That's what we are doing. We bought 6.7 acres on
>> Otis Otis Talon Road and we want to pull one acre of that property >> um so we can put in a storage shed. >> Okay. uh and leave the rest to the 5.7 in chapter.
>> Yeah, it's coming back. >> So, within a year of purchasing, we wouldn't be able to chapter we wouldn't be able to um do anything with the land because the town has the right of first refusal. Okay.
So, we're asking the town to wave >> that for one acre and um >> I have a letter been pen right here with all the information >> and I have a map of the area. >> Okay. >> That we're going to uh take out and then
I also have a waiver for the select board um to sign right. you're going to approve or you know whatever your decision is. >> Yeah, >> we've been working with Marina on this.
Um, and she's very helpful >> and Michaela. >> Well, it's always very helpful. >> Complicated process. >> Yeah. It's also worth noting too that they bought the property unaware that it was in chapter land. >> Okay. >> So,
>> that wasn't in the >> what? >> That wasn't in the >> No, it was not on the deed. It was not It was not revealed to them. >> Well, it was only after the requirement of the land property that this came to light. >> Okay. >> Uh in this situation, they're talking
about building a shed and not a single family residence. >> Oh, no residence at all. No, just >> is a driveway and like a 30 by 40 storage shed or a metal framed, you know, like a Morton building type of thing. >> The Yeah, the um
the backstory really is that we have property in Otis that is very small. >> 60 by 100 is the property. The house takes a lot of that. >> Yeah. Didn't these properties? >> No, we can walk to them. Yeah, it it's less
than a mile from our residence in >> Otis. >> Um, and we have >> we had a house built up in Otis. We had a cottage for a long time and it, you know, 50s cottage and it's couldn't maintain it any further. So, we had a house built. We have a house in
Westfield that we want to uh sell. We've been there since 1981. Come to find out, we've collected a lot of stuff and there's no room for it in in the 60 by 100 lot or sellers. >> Make that a little bigger. And I got
some stuff I like. >> I'm not I'm not you know I don't want to have a a storage um you know facility up there. I mean, >> no, I'm just >> Yeah, but that that's >> like an oversized that is that is our
intent just pulling one acre out and leaving 5.7 still in >> chapter. Our footprint will actually be very small. >> Yeah, it it it isn't even going to encompass the full acre. It's only going to be like a half an acre that we are
cutting the trees out of for the road. It's very dry. >> Yeah. >> Charles, do you have something you wanted to add to that? >> We're discussing in Blandford. I don't know what the bylaws say about
buildings versus a house versus a storage because in an agricultural residential area, it requires a 28 minimum lot to be a building lot. But I don't know if our bylaws designate a building lot for house or any building
lot because if it designates any any building whether it's a house or or a storage shed then I think it would have to be two acres rather than one acre >> but I don't I don't know that that might be a question for a building >> think out of 61
because it's >> requires five and just about three quarters. So yeah. >> Yeah. So that's why we did the one acre. Didn't know about the you know possibility of a twoacre. Well,
when I built I couldn't I couldn't put uh like, you know, I wanted to have a put a shed on so I could keep my tools where I was building my house. And uh back then
I wasn't allowed to have a shed until I built the house. And of course when I built the house I didn't need the shut. >> Right. Right. >> You know so I I don't know that's that was 50 years ago. So >> because I have well I mean I've seen uh
property with just like a Morton building on it and you know they're around I I don't know what the arrangement they have if if it's more than one acre if it's two acres. with two acres minimum. >> Again, it depends on the zoning. So, we
have we only have three zoning left or three zoning areas in town. >> Business, residential, and then agricultural residential. >> And they all have different space requirements to build on. >> Yeah. >> But again, I don't know if that bylaw
says building or doesn't say residential building because that might make a difference. Okay. Um the other thing I would say is really what you want tonight is them the select board to say we're not interested in purchasing the property. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> Because at that point it doesn't matter
if it's one acre or two acres. That's just a 161 question. And then I would have Michaela or Alex determine what the actual price difference is in taxes between vacant land and 61. So, uh, Marina,
>> it may not, it may not be all that much. >> Marina was going to, uh, um, once everybody, you know, like, uh, it gets approved and everything, she will do a roll back on the calculate the roll back on the one acre according to
Marina. >> Right. >> Yes. >> Yes. So, so my question for for you and and and maybe Marine is who should pay that role back because you weren't aware >> it it goes to us.
>> Yeah. And I'm willing to pay you. >> Oh, good guy. >> You know, just >> part of that agreement I would have made the owner paid for it. >> Yeah. you know, >> you know, >> well, it I think it's just easier all around if I just pay it because, you
know, people, >> you know, I mean, I don't >> and I think the knowledge at the time is >> Yeah. And it's when you don't >> it it's our fault for being ignorant on on the thing. Um but you would we would have thought that like um when we did
the closing it would have came up >> it with the lawyers uh and >> there was a lean certificate but we were thinking of >> something else. So, so >> the clean title >> my recommendation >> that too >> is that is that the board vote that they
not interested in purchasing their refusing their right of first refusing >> and I believe that is the start >> and then from there working with the town building inspector and and the assessor we can determine if it can be a one acre has to be two acre and we can look at what that price difference would
be for you >> and to your point it would really be the building inspector upon uh granting or entertaining a building permit that would advise you as to whether you need something more than one acre. >> Yeah. It's
>> I mean, you had to talked to him. >> I talked to him. Um that was my first phone call when I I purchased the land and he told me, >> you know, like you don't even want to talk to me, you know, um until, you know, you're going to put shovel in the
ground, you know, for a building. and but you know like this is a whole different issue is is for how uh how much land that we need to do this. So I I'm just wondering just a question I'm thinking you know now that that came up
now can we take that 6.71 acres completely out of chapter if if this doesn't work >> right >> because if I do two acres I'm not going to have you know five acres >> fact though is going to be significantly higher than just the one acre it you may
want to speak to your closing attorney at that point. >> Yeah. Yeah. Because I'm retired. I really don't want to go back to work. >> But what are you? >> So I'm saying that if you were to take all of it out of chapter, your roll back
for the last was it five years, it's going to be significantly higher than it would be if it were just the one acre. And I can understand where you're coming from that you don't want to like make this take any longer. So you would be willing to just pay it for the one acre. But it may be significant. I don't know. But if it is significantly higher, my suggestion would be to reach out to your
closing attorney. It could if this wasn't disclosed to you at the time of purchase. I have a question though. Why do they have to take it out of chapter at all if they're just putting up a shed or a pole barn but because it's open space? They don't believe you >> designated as open space.
>> So if they're under 61A, they could build a barn on it because it's part of the >> B which is recreation. >> Um, >> right. But because it is open, it's it's different requirements under >> 61A >> 61B and 61A would differentiate between
farm buildings and shed like >> I think I believe switching to 61A an option for them or no? >> No, you have to make $500 a year plus $5 an acro >> and I believe A is for >> A is a 61 is >> but to get into agriculture you have to
demonstrate two years farm income before you. >> Sorry, I tried. Thanks. I appreciate it. I'm thinking what I could do. >> Noting that there is another part there's another parcel that has of from the same owner that was sold. So, this
issue may come up again for a different owner. >> Okay. >> So, I'm just putting that out there in case this they're not the only they bought a lot. There's another lot sold. >> I'm not sure. I'm assuming their attorney might have missed it, too. I don't know. I haven't gotten anything. >> No, I talked to him. Well, he knew it
was 61B, but he he said that if he >> talked to the building inspector again and >> get the information. >> Absolutely. His No, you spoke to Jason, I'm assuming. Right. >> I don't remember his name anymore. >> Just make sure that you have the right
information before. >> Oh, you did. Okay, perfect. It was Jason. So we can do that motion though to um >> yeah you don't have to come back here once once they designate that they're not interested in >> they're refusing their first refusal
then whether it's one or two acres or whether it's 61 when you qualify or not that becomes part of the assessors and building zoning it's no longer >> okay >> is all you need from the >> all I need is that paper sign >> that says they're not interested >> and then move forward right
>> you need someone the notary public. >> Yeah. >> What is Doris? >> Is anybody late for Doris? >> Is Oh, Steve left. >> She's generally here on Monday night. >> Oh, she is always >> Does the Notary Republic have to watch
us sign? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Oh. >> Do we want to see Would you would you mind checking Joan if Doris is still here? >> I I was her door was closed when I walked in. Look how >> so what you can do is you can vote that
and then sign it okay with the not republic so you don't have to wait for another >> okay so I would make a motion to um wave um our right of first refusal option for it says lot number two recorded in the
Hampshire registry of deeds and plan book 398 page 91 July 11th 2023 that's But I think that's all I have to say. >> Any discussion? >> No. >> All in favor? I. >> All right. So, we are going to hold on
to Did you want either of these back? >> So, I think it's um Joanne probably knows better or Michaela. It needs to be distributed to the conservation assessor. All the headings there. >> This right here. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Oh, yeah. Yeah, it says board of assessors, planning, conservation, and select board. >> So once we get it notorized and signed by you guys, I will make sure that it gets distributed to all of the people at the top of that list there. >> Okay. And if you need any other paper's
work, we you know, like we have the deed, we have, you know, all that stuff set Marina suggested that we have with us. >> Are you um Mr. Mrs. Yes, we are. Want to make sure I have the right information here if I did need anything else.
Oh, and >> so your signatur Okay, you're not signing any. Perfect. Okay, I will get this taken care of for you. Okay, >> thank you so much. >> Thank you. Well, thank you for uh >> meeting and thanks for the good news about the
two acres. >> Think about that all. You really got to check because it may not be that much different between >> 1 acre and 5 acres because >> in Flameford there's not a huge difference in valuation between >> open land and land under 6.
>> I advise people wanting to get into a program unless you have 30 40 50 acres consider whether you're it's worth getting into a chapter program. Well,
the Kenny's did have >> they split, right? Right. >> They split up 30 30 acres plus, you know, into like six >> It's something over five, you know, and um so they could keep it in chapter.
So, >> well, thank you. Sorry for >> Oh, no. Oh, no, no. This was this was um >> we keep taking away >> I'm not on my phone. I'm just looking to see if I can find the answer to how many >> how many acres it or how much.
>> Yeah, I can tell the building tomorrow. I don't care. >> Okay. That's probably going to end up being planning for the question. >> Is it? >> Not that. >> Oh, >> no. The the one acre versus two acres.
>> Okay. Gotcha. Not me. Yeah, >> you could still ask Marina because if it's a small difference between taking it all out and keeping, you know what I mean? You guys should have all the information in order to make the decision. >> Would you like me to ask her tomorrow for comparison and I'll CC you on the email since you were here?
>> Yeah, I knew that. That's >> Thank you. >> All righty. Good night, everybody. >> Thank you very much. >> All right, we have no action items. Um, and under new business, I think so. I think you guys are free to go. >> Yeah. Good. Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you guys. >> Thanks you guys. Um new business to ratify, validate, and confirm the actions taken by the So this is my motion, right? I motion to ratify action statement on special time warrant. I move that the select board ratify, validate, and confirm the actions taken
by the board on this on December 4th, 2025 regarding the special timing warrant posted on that date, which contain the following article. Article one to see if the town will vote to transfer from certified free cash in the sum of 3,00 370,000 to reduce the amount raised and
appropriated with the town's fiscal year 2026 annual budget as approved by vote taken under article 5 of June 2nd 2025 annual town meeting for the purpose of reducing the fiscal year 2026 taxes are taken any other action relative there too. The motion confirms that all
actions previously taken by this board in connection with this warrant are hereby approved. >> Uh is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> No. >> All in favor? >> This might come as a surprise to you, but I didn't get that. >> I think I wrote it all. Yeah,
>> I wrote it all down. >> Thank you. >> Type faster, Joanna. >> I type pretty fast, too, though. Uh Ray is not here. uh town administrator. >> So, there's a few things. Um, one, I had
a meeting with Nicole Sford from Springfield Water Sewer this week. >> Uh, the initial purpose of the meeting, she had been trying to get in touch with the tree board, for a while. >> Many left messages were left, many
emails were sent. He hadn't responded. >> Did he respond? Because I reached out to him. >> Oh, not to my knowledge. Not as of this morning. So anyway, I did have a meeting with her. The reason she was reaching out is because Brookdale Water Sewer would like
permission to remove some of the dead ash trees on Heric Road. And in Massachusetts, there's something called the Massachusetts um shade tree protection act. >> Meaning if it is a tree that is owned by
a municipality, you have to get permission to cut it down. Yeah. under the shade tree act. That's what Sprinkle Water Sewer was attempting to obtain from Mark in addition to asking Mark if he had any other trees that while
they're undergoing this um project of taking down the dead ash trees that they have identified. So, long story short, during my meeting with Nicole, I told her I would draft a letter for you guys to sign, well, read
approve and sign if you would like, allowing granting Springfield Water Sewer permission to remove the dead ash trees at the end of Heric Road and to include any additional ash trees that they see that may be a problem located on the public way.
>> Okay. Um, and you would just have to sign that and I can send it to them. But it's feel free to read it, look it over. If you have any questions for me, I will do my best to answer that. >> That was it. >> Yeah, that was it. We just signed it. >> Okay, perfect. Um, another topic of the
discussion with Nicole was uh beavers. We're back to the beaver subject. So, in particular on Gibbs Road, I guess um Ry had reached out and was not requesting beaver trapping. instead was requesting that Sprinkle Water and Sewer breach the
Beaver Dam. Um, as it's been explained to me in the history of Sprinkle, Water Sewer, they have never breached a Beaver Dam. There are many negative implications that can come of that. >> Um, downstream flooding and erosion, sediment and debris release that can
impact water quality. Um, it involves many more permits and people involved. So in Massachusetts, breaching a dam may require D approval and the Army Corps of Engineers and just the disruption to the overall
ecosystem is a concern. Um I'm not taking a stance on it one way or the other. I'm just letting you know Sprinkle Water Sewer has never breached a beaver dam and Ry was requesting that they do that. >> Um they didn't say no. They said we've never done it before. >> Yeah.
>> Uh the road they went out, they looked at the road, they looked at the culvert. um what the road is not right now in danger of washing away. >> I think Rey is thinking more, you know, what could happen long term type of thing.
>> Um I asked Nicole what has happened in other towns where she sees this type of situation. And really at the end of the day, we can't we can't get rid of the beavers, right? They're always going to come back. You can get rid of them, they're going to come back. You take down their dam, they're going to build another one. It's always going
to be there. We have to learn to live in harmony with the people. It is what it is. You can only do so much, right? Um in other communities where this has been identified as a problem, um they have had like an engineering firm come in and
explain how to just raise um the road in that area over the culvert. So there's no >> fear of the road washing out anymore because that's the big concern is the road washing out. The permanent fix, >> right, is to um raise the elevation of
the road so that it's not in danger. It's not so close to this culbert in this area >> and raising it. >> I don't know. That's just what Nicole said. >> I'm just thinking we raised the road, they build a higher dam. >> No, >> no, no. The dam's not anywhere near the road. >> Okay.
>> No, the uh they they brought that up. This has been an ongoing problem for >> I'm sure it has. I just >> a long time way too long. But the the thing is is that it's the stretch of road. In order to raise the road, you
have to start back here and they were talking about putting box culprits in at one time and that got nixed by the state. >> Uh I don't know. >> I don't know either. I'm just letting you know what happened during the
meeting. >> Yeah. No, no. I I I'm just uh bringing this up for discussion that you know >> it's this has been ongoing for a long time >> and it needs to be >> res. >> Um no, I agree. It obviously does. I think that the but I think the point is
that the only >> permanent fix if we're looking to identify a permanent fix >> Yeah. >> is is the only thing we can control which is the road. We can't control the beavers. We can't control the ecosystem. So, if you're looking for a permanent fix, that may be something that Rey want
to look at down the road for putting money away for in order to um adjust the elevation. >> Yeah, I say we have an idea how expensive this is. >> Right. So, that would be something about getting in touch with an engineering to take a look >> if there's any money available to
>> Yeah. Sorry, let let Christina continue. I think she's got it. So, um, in this same vein of conversation, as everybody knows, Springfield Water Sewer every year tries to fulfill funding requests from the town. They have given in the
past $50,000 towards the purchase of a fire brush truck. They've also purchased breathing apparatuses for the fire department. I believe I could be wrong, don't quote me, but I think that somewhere in the conversation that Ray and Nicole had um Ray had said, "Well,
could we do a funding request for the Beaver Dam to be reached?" >> I think that's a decision that you guys need to make what what the funding request should be because it's you only get one shot at it and it has to be something that's mutually beneficial to both Sprinkle Water Sewer and the town.
and his sprinkle water sewer has already identified that breaching a beaver dam is not really beneficial because >> need for the engineering. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Um so there's there's there's different things but to submit a funding request it has to be done by the end of this month and
it can't just be hi we want x amount of dollars for this >> like it has to be some sort of a comprehensive Yeah. Were we going to request help, more help with the bridge on B show? >> There's a number of things. I don't know. I I thought that maybe you guys
would look to request for assistance with um perhaps the best solar situation that's going on. >> Yeah, >> I think it's a decision that needs to be made between the three of you um and voted on what you would like to request from Springfield Water Sewer. But keep
in mind that a comprehensive request needs to be put together and sent to them before the end of December. >> I I have a couple questions. >> Yeah. >> Number one, I don't I mean, it's just my opinion based on what you just said. I don't think that we should be pushing
Springfield water to breach a dam when they've never experienced it before and ramifications could be quite high. It sounds like >> um if if my question is if something happens to the road right right now
nothing's wrong with the road we you know whether we raise it or not nothing's wrong with it right now if something happens to it because of the beavers >> does Springfield have do we go to Springfield for support in that case >> we could if there was an emergency that
was due to a very clear issue with the covert that was being caused by commission property Yes, absolutely we could. >> Okay. So, what is the rush to >> I don't know. I didn't >> Do you know what the rush is? >> I don't think it's a rush. I think it's just trying to solve a problem that's
been ongoing because every time a rainy season hits, we end up where the road's almost flooded. >> So, it's just a matter of time before we're in the situation again where Gibbs Road is looking like it's going to flood. And I think the discussion we had with Ry was, can you work with
Springfield Water to try and resolve this? Because yes, we can reach out to Springfield Water, but we've never really gotten we've gotten some like assistance with tracking beavers and stuff, but we haven't really had like a resolve. >> So this just planning on that for a
second. If we feel because I haven't been around long enough to know if there's all this history. >> Do we take this opportunity to get money to have an engineer come out and look at the road? >> Yeah. >> And then that's kind of like not our respons, you know, they then we could get a professional opinion on what to do
with that road and then get it in the plan for fixing it. >> Sure. Um we I will move forward. >> That's just a thought. I mean, we haven't really >> No, I agree. I mean, it's been something that's been on our >> I think we did have an engineer look at
it not too long ago. >> And uh >> we can double check with >> Yeah, I think it was under rain that we had an engineer look at that role. >> I don't know. Oh, his first tenure. Yeah. When he when he was first uh
>> who did Randy take the place of >> we've gone through >> Brad I think. >> Yeah. Brad. Okay. >> Okay. >> Well, given it was years ago. >> Yeah. >> Would it still be of any value? You think? >> I don't know. But it'd be a place to start.
>> Yeah. >> You know, just to give us an idea what we're looking at. But we have to have this request in by December 31st. >> That's correct. I like I like short notices. >> Well, so they run on the same budget fees than we do, right? Oh, yeah. And
I've asked for all the departments to give me their budgets by December 31st. So, I think it's just along the same lines of >> of that. Um, >> what are you thinking? >> I I I wonder if Ray can check his files to see
if there was something done. >> Do you could you contact Bray? get into us like ASAP. >> And I will let you know that Nicole is sending me a um
what did she call it? I forget what she called it. I'm going to call it a letter. Uh >> M. >> No, she called it something that I had never heard it called before. um that will be in effect from November 1st to April 15th, granting the town of
Blandford's highway department um access to commission land if trapping needs to take place because trapping season is November 1st through April 15th. We would have to get permission to trap on their property. So, she's just going to give generalized taxic permission for
that area. If trapping needs to take place, it can take place. >> And we would hire someone to do that. We're not. >> You would hire someone and pay them to take them away so they can come back. >> No, you >> they drown them. >> Oh. Oh, Jesus. I know a guy. >> So, let's go back now because I got
money on the table here, right? So, if Ray comes back and says nothing exists. >> No. >> Do we all agree that we'll write something up and say that's what we want them to pay for? >> Yes, >> absolutely. >> Okay. If Ry says, "We got something,"
>> then that money still sits there. >> Well, >> no, I would ask that they give money towards the whatever the cost, >> the next step is. >> Yeah, next step. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Okay. >> Would remain do you feel is responsible for getting this project request to
Springfield Water Sewer? >> Say that again. Who have you who is responsible for getting the project request completed and to Springfield water? >> Right. >> Yeah. I guess I just wanted >> Yeah. >> I mean under short
>> um do we have last year's um request >> that was done by the fire department for the fire truck? >> Yeah. I'm just thinking we can just send him something from last year's model. >> I'm not sure. I can look and see if there's Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, and if he has a challenge that he
can't get it, he can't get it done, reach out to one of us and we'll help him. >> Yeah. >> Right. I want to make sure that we get >> Absolutely. >> So, um, on December So, we're moving on. We're good. Yes. Okay. On December 3rd,
I sent out the budget instructions and timeline to everybody. >> Um, all budget submissions are due December 31st. So far, I have Jason build from building inspector and Dave Hopson. So, still waiting. Um, I've scheduled the budget hearings to take
place January 12th through the 14th. It's a little different schedule this year um due to our existing finance committee having a different schedule than prior members of the finance committee. So, it will be they will be at night instead of during the day
>> to accommodate everybody's schedule. Um, I will follow up with everybody that was on the email and send a gentle reminder. We need your paperwork submitted. Anybody who doesn't submit by December 31st, the finance committee in conjunction with the select board, myself, we're going to level that up
again. >> Um, I did get a quote for the town hall roof, >> okay, >> project. And I did speak with John Hoppy today. So, Rothwell Roofing has suggested they've looked at the membrane. They do
not feel that the issue is the membrane. Um, they do admit it is an older roof, but we could fix the issue by replacing all of the skylights and addressing the main leak that is a problem with the
membrane over towards the front of the building. Okay, >> they are and I what do I know? I never see these things leaking. I So I'm saying to myself, why do all of these need to be is that really the problem? So I spoke with John today and he did say that it is the skylights that are
causing the problem. >> Um Rockwell Roofing said that they could replace all 22 skylights and fix the main issue with the leak in the roof. Um and their quote is 40,000. With that being said, >> it's not that bad.
>> We wouldn't I would encourage everybody to not um say, "Oh, okay. If we move forward with this, we don't have to worry about the roof." No, >> we have to acknowledge that the roof does will need to be replaced. Whether it's 5 years or 10 years, it does need
to. So, we will have to start putting money aside. And with that being said, Rockwell Roofing did say that all 22 of the skylights that they if you go forward with this would be reusable in the new roof. They wouldn't have to be replaced again when you go to put a new
roof on these. >> They're just going to seal. >> But you're not getting rid of the skylights. They're actually not going to seal them up. >> They're going to replace them. >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> for the 40,000. Yes. They're replacing them all. >> Okay. I so my two cents is that I and I
hate to say it but you really need to have two quotes >> right so I did reach out to three vendors I've only heard back from Rockwell what I was going to follow up and say to you guys that I wanted to give you this information so that you could >> have some figures in your head and know
what was going on I am going to continue to try and get additional >> quotes um I am trying to work off of combis which is the state contract so that we don't have to jump through all of the hoops of, you know, they the state has already negotiated the pricing. We're getting the lowest
available pricing. >> So, but not a decision to be made right now. Just information for you. >> He's on until after the winter, I'm assuming anyways. Or >> he said it would take about two weeks and he didn't mention anything about weather being an issue. So, I'm not
entirely sure. >> We'd have to tell you anyway. Um that >> the conservation commission has selected Sabrina Pooler to serve as the town's conservation agent. Y >> this is an appointed position that is already funded within the current budget. Um the select board may discuss
the appointment. Um but she's been interviewed by the entire conservation commission. I have or your review if you want to see it. Her um copies of her resume letter uh um cover
letter and her uh references. >> Yes, this is kind of being pushed through um for Dave uh sorry Dick. So I will just put it on the agenda for next week just for a motion if you guys could just sign it today so we can move forward.
And I'll note that on the agenda. >> He told us. >> Yeah, we we signed it. >> We did. >> Yeah. >> So, what do we need to do? >> Nothing. >> Nothing. You'll make vote on it. >> We just make a motion. Yeah. It's not on
the agenda. So, >> I'll put it on the agenda next week so that the public is aware and then you can just But in the meantime, she can start. Um, okay. So, the next uh discussion will be
the previously interrupted Eversource poll petition hearing. >> I know there were some questions about it. I had been in contact with uh both Leslie and John from Eversource regarding this. I had put them in touch with the town clerk. I followed up when there was um questions about where we
were at with that. They had not heard back from town clerk, but they had an internal meeting today and uh they have stated that they are not at this time moving forward with the full replacements and they will reach back out when they decide they want to. So,
for right now, it's >> everything's on hold. Okay. Um, you guys may remember we had an ADA grant in 2024 that we had to send back because it was not utilized.
>> Um, I was asked to apply for this year's cycle and we did get approved. We got $9,500 in grant funding from the Massachusetts Office on Disabilities. This is a reimbursement based grant and
all project expenses must be incurred and completed by June 30th of 2026. Otherwise, we're going to end up in the same boat we were in last time. It's not really sending the money back because but it's it's you don't want to do that. Um, the funding is supposed to be to support accessibility improvements at
Town Hall, including accessible signage, grabbars, door assist hardware, and potentially looking at the height of the um toilets. I don't know a better word for it. >> The
um although I was not here, >> so are you okay with that? I mean, you're you're good with that and >> I mean, well, so the committee is um not ex extensive. I think it falls sort of on me to go out and figure this out.
>> I just want to make sure you're okay. >> Yes. Um the next from the meeting that I was not at, I was homesick. I did see that there was questions raised about Ray's union money being returned to him and if I had
I reached out. I have all the documentation here. Um I sent all of the letters. I've shown everything if you guys >> to the union >> to the union to you know Roger Stolen is the union rep. I've tried to speak with Sarah. Sarah's like look I can give you the breakdown. She gave me the breakdown. So I
>> you know there's the proof. Here's the end date. >> It's on the union now. We can't do anything. The union has the money. We can't pay. >> Okay. >> Um so >> he needs to go after >> it's all right there. >> Yeah. >> Um
>> so after Yeah. >> And then this is just the ADA stuff. Are you guys okay with me moving forward and signing for the ADA grant? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> And that is it for me.
All right. Thank you. Um and then we just have uh select board need for volunteering for finance. >> Yeah, I just want to emphasize one more. I don't know what we're going to do. We
have got to get somebody on the finance board. the um I mean I think and based on a little bit of research I've done and and Christina you probably know better than me but you can appoint somebody that they don't have to join
and sign up for three years but you could appoint somebody to at least be a part of >> until the next election. >> Until the next election, >> right? Is it elected? It's not elected. It's appointed. I'm sorry. >> No, it's appointed. People can leave anytime. Yeah, they're not >> even elected people. if you want to
leave, you just leave. And yet here we are. >> There's there's kind of a there's kind of a thought that you're supposed to replace yourself, but I've yet to see anybody do that. >> Well, it's getting to the point where, you know, I'm finding it uh I mean, this is a bylaw that we have a finance
committee, correct? Correct me if I'm wrong. >> Um, it is stopping us from being able to do certain things. And we really need that third purse. >> And I don't know what the answer is. >> I don't know. I know. I >> Well, so there was when we were totally
handicapped because we had one purse and we're still handicapped because two two is great and I'm thankful for for people who are willing to step up. That's that's wonderful. But we're still handicapped. They can't throw down anything. >> So I did have discussions with Mark at
not too long ago when this was like, >> "Hey, we can't get anybody. Like what are we going to do?" He said in towns under 2500 people, which obviously we are, there are certain exceptions. He was going to look into it and get back to me. I haven't heard yet. I can follow up with him again about that, but it
would be something that we would likely, I think, have to perhaps vote on. It's not going to help us this budget season, I guess, is what I should say. >> I mean, I don't know what else to say. We have put it out there. We've um I mean I try to talk about it whenever I
am talking to people from I I was trying to recruit people at the tree lighting. I thought I almost had someone for a second but >> anybody that's young needs money. >> There's only one other person that I'm going to reach out to be. >> We'll see. >> Um
>> that notes. >> Do I need to read this letter from that we received or you just gave it to me to I'll have a copy of it. >> Oh, everyone got a copy. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Have I se I don't know what it is. Yeah. Uh you saw it. It's the
>> shoveling the sidewalks, right? >> No, that's not No, this is the People's Brook 89 84 Chester Road on Martin Street. >> Christina, I didn't see it. >> No, that's okay. I it's >> it's just the um the Gregors were
writing about >> the email came addressed to the select board and I'm pretty sure they personally copied somebody else maybe that was >> said select board and board of health. >> There we go. I don't need to
>> they didn't address it to me quickly to address it but it's good to have it. Um, >> all right. >> I think people are good. >> I don't know if there's any public comment. Oh, sorry. Public comment. Did
you have any public comment? >> Who's the meeting for the 19th? >> Um, that is where we're moving um some funding um from free cash. >> Correct. >> To um make sure that our you can explain it better. Go ahead.
>> Sure. So um we are moving funding from our free cash certification to offset the tax rate since we voted on many things this year. Some that traditionally would come from free cash for example all of our stabilization
that we voted this year came from raise and appropriate which hits the tax rate as opposed to free cash. We don't in an effort to maybe not make such an impact on the tax rate. I mean, you you heard tonight that I did. >> Yeah.
>> So, without that meeting, the tax rate would be significantly higher and we really don't want to have it go through the roof for our residents. We know we have a large aging population. A lot of people are on fixed incomes. Things are expensive. You know, we it
does require money to operate as a town, but we need to do it incrementally and not all at once. People need to budget just like we need to budget, right? So, We're trying to be as fair as we can about it. >> So that'll transfer that money >> into our like a I don't want to call it
revenue, but it'll be like viewed as revenue so that we don't have to raise it. We don't have to raise that money. That money's there. >> 600. You said like raise it $600 per That's like 50 bucks a month. That's that's quite a >> So without this meeting, it would have
been uh a lot higher. I can't do the math in my head, but much much higher. >> Wow. Okay, perfect. >> So, everything that we talked about Thursday >> Yes, sir. >> is in this. >> Yes, sir.
>> Is what? I'm sorry. The assessor thing that you're holding. >> Yeah. >> Not everything. No, they like the assessor's um >> Let me make sure that I understand you're asking the question correctly. Yes. The money that we are going to move to defay the amount of taxes that we
need to raise is represented in here. Yes. >> Yeah. But uh the figure of the uh percentage of the raise or the per thousand thing is not what we discussed Thursday. It's lower
>> if lower because so there the per 1000 that we were initially discussing on Thursday was be was a number that was quoted to you if we don't move this 370,000. >> Yeah. Once we move the 370,000,
then you're seeing it come all the way down. You're seeing it lower because >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> So, it'll still be 600 a year. >> Yes. So, >> for the average home, >> for the average home, >> 300, what is it? 300,
>> it's $63 for the average home for an entire year. >> Okay. So to break it down further, uh it's 89 increase year-over-year, um >> per 10,000.
>> Yes. So, uh fiscal year 25, the tax rate was $11.71. >> Uh projected for fiscal year 26, if everything goes well, it should be $12.56. But keep in mind, in 2023, your tax rate
was $13.66. 66. In 2022, it was $14.79 and in 2021 it was $17.76. And you guys brought it dramatically all the way down. I we need to see it level out over the years and then just incrementally small increases over time
so that everybody, you know, nobody's being overwhelmed with a huge tax bill and we're not scrambling for money because things go up. >> I can tell because my mortgage keeps keeps going >> in the Yeah. Absolutely. >> Perfect.
>> All right. We're good. >> Time here. >> 7:22. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Did you sign this?