Wayland assessors approve $48,596 motor vehicle commitment, clear state forms for submission

WAYLAND — November 21, 2022 — Wayland assessors approve $48,596 motor vehicle commitment and tee up Dec. 5 classification hearing. The Board of Assessors voted 3-0 Monday to approve motor vehicle commitment number six, covering 354 vehicles at $48,596.40, and to authorize submission of DLS Gateway forms LA-3, LA-4, LA-13 and LA-15. Chair Zachariah L. Ventress, Vice-Chair Philip David Parks and member Massimo Taurisano participated; member Steven Klitgord was traveling in Egypt. Staff reported 387 property visits this year against 526 last year, blaming staffing shortages and noting the town is nine to 12 months behind its six-year local revaluation bylaw though within the state's 10-year guideline. Of 36 disclosure-period conversations with owners after value increases, just one abatement application has been filed. Ventress rejected a draft recommendation that the Select Board adopt a single tax rate, saying the board has historically declined to "explain the obvious." A tentative recap-approval meeting was set for Dec. 7.