Board of Assessors Denies Claims Of Office Being Closed
Selectmen plan to investigate
Tara Vocino
Reporter
Phillipston — The Board of Selectmen voted Monday to begin an investigation regarding the Board of Assessors’ posted office hours at Town Hall.
They have received several complaints from the public that Board of Assessors’ doors were locked without explanation when they arrived.
According to Board of Selectmen clerk John Telepciak, the office is overstaffed with an assessor and two assistant assessors for such a small town.
However, Board of Assessors Chairman Gerhard Fandreyer denied Mr. Telepciak’s claim. “There are no issues with our posted hours,” Mr. Fandreyer said. “It’s possible my staff had an emergency when they arrived. Or if they’re sick, they stayed home so they don’t get everyone else sick. But there’s a sign on the door saying it’s closed.”
Mr. Fandreyer said an assessor is a part-time position. Office hours are Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
However, a quick check of the website indicates that the hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday - Friday.
But Mr. Telepciak said the Board of Selectmen has to act upon the public’s complaints. “I’m not trying to micro manage their office, but we owe it to the public to make sure they’re open -- literally -- during posted hours,” Mr. Telepciak said. “We asked for documentation numerous times before conducting this investigation, and we were told we have no authority.”
Mr. Telepciak said the board voted to begin the investigation and will discuss different avenues of how it will be done.
However, Mr. Fandreyer said he isn’t sure what brought about this “witch hunt.”
“There wasn’t really anything the Board of Assessors did to cause this disruption,” Mr. Fandreyer said.
Mr. Fandreyer had been at the Board of Assessors meeting when selectmen voted on the issue. The Board of Assessors meetings are held Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. in Town Hall. He wanted to know the wording of the motion to investigate the problem, but selectmen did not grant him that request.
“He stated it wasn’t his fault he walked in late and said because the new business was on the agenda, it was our job to make sure we’re there on time,” Mr. Fandreyer said.
Mr. Telepciak said the agenda, including discussion of the commencing investigation, was posted as new business well in advance.
“The agenda’s in public view,” Mr. Telepciak said. “There’s no excuse for not knowing about it or for not planning to come.”
State law requires that assessors value all real estate and personal property, subject to taxation.
Selectmen also voted to approve two school use requests Monday.
Narragansett Regional High School will host travel basketball for students within the district Sundays starting Nov. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Narragansett will also host EMT testing for the Fire Department in the classrooms and gym with set-up on Saturday, Dec. 5, and testing on Sunday, Dec. 6.
Ok, so 5 months after they fired someone, they let out it was all because someone went there and the doors were locked. So there's going to be an investigation, maybe costing 10-20 grand, to find out why someone ran late? They want the keys to this elected boards office and the passwords to our computers because someone complained we weren't open? Seriously? The BOS has never asked us to come in to work this out. we have never seen a written complaint of any sort. They are running on heresay. And that's the best they can do? Usually a discussion is the first step, not a firing. Actually, the information they seek is readily available to them at the Town accountant's office, but I guess for them that's too much work. On another note, I'm amazed at the amount of people whom I've never met stepping up to say hello and shake my hand. Also I believe in Karma, and I don't feel sorry for them. They'll get their due, and it won't be peaceful. Have a great day, Gerhard F./
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