Board of Assessors — October 8, 2026

The Fairhaven Board of Assessors met on October 8, 2026, and approved the minutes from their open and executive sessions held on September 17, 2026. The board reviewed and approved bills payable totaling $11,962, including payments to CAI Technologies ($625), Catalys Tax and CAMA ($11,250), and an MLS subscription ($87). They also approved monthly motor vehicle excise abatements for 2024 and 2026, as well as warrants including the Bristol County assessment of $275,247.80 and motor vehicle excise commitments totaling $78,878.55.

The board discussed the ongoing Department of Revenue (DOR) five-year certification process for Fiscal Year 2027 assessed values, noting that while the town is approximately one to two weeks behind schedule, the DOR representative found no systemic issues. Members also authorized the town assessor to sign supplemental state submissions electronically via the DOR Gateway system and reviewed board training and login credentials.

Finally, the board addressed the transfer of eight Chapter 61A agricultural parcels on the south side of Gillette Road to the Buzzards Bay Coalition for $1,035,000. While the coalition submitted an affidavit indicating continued agricultural use to avoid rollback or conveyance taxes, board members expressed concern over ensuring the land remains under Chapter 61A for a mandatory five-year period rather than seeking full tax exemption. The board voted to have Assessor Bruce consult with the Town Administrator to seek Town Counsel review of the legal documentation before entering into executive session to review tax abatement and exemption applications.

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