LIVERMORE FALLS – It took Board of Assessment Review members about 10 minutes Thursday evening to complete their deliberations on the Bailey Brothers’ appeal of a tax assessment, finding in favor of the town by a 3-1 vote.
Brenda Brochu of Bailey Brothers had asked for the $19,400 assessment on the company’s old shop to be reduced. She had not asked for a specific reduction.
She said the building was only being used for minor storage and that people did not work in it. It was scheduled to be torn down last fall, she said on her application, but it was still standing as of Jan. 31, when the board began its deliberation.
The following day it was removed. That first session was a lengthy one in which the members, several of whom were new to the board, appeared uncertain about their duties and responsibilities. Chairman Tammy Greaton then called for the continuance so they could obtain more information.
By Thursday afternoon, the board had learned that the original value placed on the building, if it had been in good condition, was more than $51,000. That amount had been reduced 50 percent, and then the new figure was reduced another 25 percent to reach the $19,400 valuation.
Board members also had learned that the building had to be assessed based on its use and condition on April 1, 2004, not based on the date of the hearing.
“I was led to believe at the first meeting that I would get a reduction,” Brochu told the town officials. “You wonder why there’s not more business in town, that’s one of the reasons – the taxes.”
Board members asked Town Manager Alan Gove for a training session on their duties, noting they had felt embarrassed by comments made after the first meeting. “If I’m going to do the job, I want to know I’m doing it right,” said Norm Brown.
Comments are no longer available on this story