The Plympton Board of Selectmen reaffirmed its vote on the tax classifications for fiscal year 2018 at last Monday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.
The tax classifications were originally approved at the Board of Selectmen Meeting on Monday, November 27, 2017, but the Board of Assessors wanted to meet with the Selectmen to discuss the classifications more thoroughly. Board of Assessors Clerk Ethan Stiles recommended a single tax rate for all regardless of if its residential, commercial, industrial, or open space property.
There was discussion about possible exemptions for residential and open space properties. Stiles said, “It could take business away from the town if we place the burden on them (commercial, industrial categories).”
The Board of Selectmen voted for no exemptions for residential, commercial, industrial, or open space properties. According to Stiles, all property tax classifications are estimated to be taxed at a rate of $17.52 per $1,000.
Social Media Update
Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy announced that after launching only a week ago, Plympton’s official town Facebook page has a little over 300 followers. As of Wednesday, December 20, 2017, that number is now up to 322 followers and 294 likes.
Old Town House Update
The Board of Selectmen discussed a possible renegotiation of the Old Town House’s lease terms between them and the Plympton Historical Society.
The reason for potential renegotiations are about the maintenance of the building. Selectman John Traynor said he wants the town custodian to be responsible for the maintenance of this building rather than the Plympton Historical Society.
The Plympton Historical Society only has one current member, Jessica Kinsman. Traynor said that the Historical Society doesn’t have the resources to maintain the building and believes it’s the town’s responsibility.
Other News
• The Plympton Housing Production Committee’s affordable housing plan for the town is now approved by both the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board and is pending state approval. Suggested changes to the plan were made including showing Cato’s Ridge and Churchill Park as protected open spaces.
• The Board of Selectmen said the Sysco Abatement contract between the Board of Assessors and Integra Reality Resources has been officially signed.
• There were no new updates on Municipal Resource’s study of the town’s fire and EMS operations. The Board said a draft is expected in the coming weeks.
The Town House closes at 12 p.m. on Thursday December 21, 2017. It will reopen for business on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at 9 a.m.
The next Board of Selectmen Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2017. Open session starts at 6 p.m.