Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

Hi all,

I understand that at the special time meeting, the question can be discussed in depth. But as we are trying get this out there and the warrant will be on the website before the vote, I propose we write a question as if it was on a secret ballot (with note).

Here is how I would write (edits welcome and can be discussed on Thursday). I would also ask Dick or Roger to have Ben review before Thursday to make sure there is no advocacy in the language.

Article 1: Shall the Town vote to appropriate up to $265,000 from the Town’s existing Unassigned/Operation Fund Balance, which consists of funds the Town already holds and requires no new taxes to be raised, to conduct a town-wide revaluation of real property?

Note: Hollis has not conducted a full revaluation since 2000, twenty-six years ago. Maine law requires municipalities to maintain assessments at fair market value, and the Town’s assessment current ratio (2026 TY predicted at 52%) has fallen well below state standards. A revaluation corrects inequities between properties that have appreciated at different rates. It does not, by itself, increase the total taxes the Town collects. This article will not raise property taxes; it spends money already in the Town’s fund balance.

Select Board Recommends. Finance Committee Recommends (they recommend the last question, but we may need to leave this off because it has changed (slightly).

Please don't reply all.

As a reminder, I will not be able to attend Thursday in person or online.

Thanks,

Mike