The Board of Assessors Cut Off Public Input - How You Can Open It Back Up
The Board of Assessors has chosen to barricade themselves from the public by accepting no verbal or email communication for public comment at their meetings. It is a rather startling position for a Board given the State oversight and the call for transparency in the Assessing Office.
The Nashua Assessing Department deserves full focus of public attention. Public input and media coverage played a significant role in exposing issues to the State. Unknown to the public raising the issues, the Board of Tax and Land Appeals was reading the meeting minutes and newspaper articles. This triggered an order for the City to appear before the BTLA for a public hearing regarding unfavorable assessing practices.
Since the Assessing Board became aware that the State was “listening” they have changed their practice sending a false message that they are engaged with the public. At the beginning of each meeting the Chair reads a statement regarding the structure of the meeting and public comment.
Please direct all testimony to this board and not to anyone in the audience. If you have questions they are to be directed to the board and we will do our best to get them answered.”
Here is the problem with this kind gesture: this Board does not attempt to get answers to any questions the public asks. They are simply ignored. When the pandemic hit in March, the board chair was questioned if the Board would be taking a vote on how public comment would be handled. The question was ignored.
In emails submitted to the Chair for Board review, Mr. Hansberry has stated that “he would raise the concerns” at the upcoming meeting, but the concerns were ignored. However, the Board agreed to follow the lead of the Board of Aldermen when accepting public comment. The Board of aldermen accepts email public comment, place it on the public record and announce the email in a public meeting.
Here is where it gets a bit confusing. The Board of Assessors will not accept any public emails for public comment. So, in fact, they are not operating like the Board of Assessors. Apparently, the Board received legal advice not shared or discussed in a public meeting.
“The legal department has advised the board that there is no requirement within the law which requires acknowledgement of an email.”
Even in a pandemic, where email is the only way of communicating with the board, legal has advised that there’s no requirement to acknowledge email? No requirement to acknowledge the only channel for public input? It is unsurprising that the Board under scrutiny is boldly disregarding all public input. The Board’s job is certainly a lot easier without any public oversight. Every politician’s job is.
In order to ensure the integrity of our public institutions is upheld, no board should ever barricade itself from the public. Our other leaders in the City, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, should side with transparency and pressure the Board of Assessors to walk back on their position toward the public.
With a few clicks of a button, you can influence how your city operates. Email the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor. Here is a format for an email you could send.
June 10, 2020
Joe & Jill Public
10 Transparency Dr.
Nashua NH 03060
To: BOA@nashuanh.gov; nashuamayor@Nashuanh.gov
Dear Members,
I have become aware that the Board of Assessor is not allowing public comment of any form, email or verbal. I am request that you use your influence and help the Board walk back their position and open up public comment, and at a minimum, accept emails, during this pandemic.
This Office sets the assessment levels for all properties in Nashua and ultimately determines a significant portion of the money generated to support the budget. I ask that you recognize the importance of the public’s comments in these meetings.
Please make this part of the public record.
Thank you,
Joe & Jill Public