ROWE — Voters unanimously approved both warrant articles at Special Town Meeting on Thursday.
The two articles allow the Board of Assessors to negotiate with the hydroelectric companies in town and allow the Selectboard to obtain easements in the area around the Cyrus Stage Road Bridge construction project. Both articles warranted some questions from residents that were answered by elected officials before the voting commenced.
The first article passed allows the Selectboard and Board of Assessors to negotiate and enter into a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with Bear Swamp Power Co. and Great River Hydro. Both companies have appealed their property valuations three to four times dating back to fiscal year 2019, according to Board of Assessors Chair Rick Williams. He said the state’s Appellate Tax Board encourages parties to negotiate settlements to resolve tax disputes instead of resorting to litigation, particularly due to the court systems being backed up following pandemic-related delays.
The Special Town Meeting vote was only a formality, Williams noted, as the Board of Assessors only needs voters’ permission to formalize agreements. The assessors have already begun negotiations with the two companies.
“We are working toward an agreement with one company and the other we are still far apart,” he said previously.
The second article approved allows the Selectboard to take the appropriate measures to obtain easements in the area around the Cyrus Stage Road Bridge construction project. The Selectboard can do this through purchasing property or accepting gifts. The warrant article also allows the moving of utility poles to take place if needed.
Bella Levavi can be reached at blevavi@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.