MINUTES

TOWN OF VERMONT BOARD MEETING

January 30, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:00. The clerk certified that the notice had been posted at the Black Earth State Bank, at John Bird Accounting in Black Earth, Amcore Bank in Mt. Horeb, and on the front door of the town hall.

Present: Supervisors, Barbara Grenlie, Bill Hanson, David Dybdahl and Mark Sherven; Clerk Marc Robertson and Treasurer Sarah Danz. Chairman Steve Cowan was absent.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion to approve the agenda was made by Barbara Grenlie, seconded by Mark Sherven and passed unanimously.

2006 ASSESSMENT MAINTENANCE CONTRACT

There was discussion of the procedure for filing claims on the basis of Wisconsin Statutes 74.33 through 74.37. Additional discussion involved citizens who had reported interactions with Charlotte Johnson (the 2005 assessor) which they considered unsatisfactory. Mark Sherven reported that contacts with other assessment firms had indicated that it would be feasible, and the cost not excessive, to retain another firm for 2006 assessment maintenance.

There was discussion regarding concerns with assessor performance and the methods of assessment that had been employed. Concerns were also expressed about custody of the assessment card file. Mark Sherven moved that the attorney be consulted and directed to send a letter to Charlotte Johnson, with Mark Sherven and Barbara Grenlie to meet with the attorney to determine the specific points to be addressed. Barbara Grenlie seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

A request for recovery of unlawful taxes has been received from Tom Schulenberg, who did attend open book and left with the impression that the errors which he had brought to the attention of the assessor would be corrected. Barbara Grenlie expressed for the record her recommendation that the Town seek a different assessor.

It was noted that the subjects of illegal taxes and the future assessment contract should be addressed at the February 13 Board meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Mark Sherven that the meeting adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26.