The Kingston Board of Assessors finalized annual revenue agreements and professional development plans Tuesday, authorizing Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements for two local entities. The board processed payments for Ring Road Solar and Adelbar Enterprises, the latter of which involves a nonprofit residential property on Indian Pond Road. Unlike standard property taxes, the Adelbar payment is calculated by dividing the current tax rate and multiplying it by the number of bedrooms in the facility. A staff member clarified the nature of the property for the board, noting that it is a residence... it’s a nonprofit to contribute to the tax fund. But I believe it’s a residential home.

Following the PILOT authorizations, the board turned its attention to departmental professional development and associated costs. Staff members reported they are currently attending an International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Course 101. A staff member explained that the training provides a broad assessment basis that we would kind of go off of for the rest of the—I think Course 102 kind of expands on it, but it’s about just assessing and appraising stuff like that. The cost approach I think is in there. One member asked for clarification on the curriculum, asking, I think the cost is the next one. Yeah. What are the courses? How many?

The discussion regarding certifications extended to upcoming requirements for 2027. The board learned that Plymouth County will offer a 15-hour Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course in person this May in East Bridgewater. The location was chosen specifically to accommodate instructors traveling from out of state and to assist surrounding towns, including Carver, in meeting certification deadlines. One board member noted the convenience of the location, stating, I live in Bridgewater, so that would be great for me. Staff warned that the timing of these courses is critical, as taking the 15-hour update too early can result in the credits expiring before a designation is officially applied for if a new version of the standards is released in the interim.

The board also performed routine administrative maintenance, clearing a small backlog of office supply invoices from Staples. Motion Made by Board Member 2 to accept the meeting minutes of January 13th and January 27th as presented. Motion Passed 3-0 after a brief exchange regarding a recent Patriots game. One member quipped that the team struggled because we had no O-line.

The public session concluded as the board moved into a closed session to handle sensitive taxpayer data. Motion Made by the Chair to enter into executive session not to return to open session in order to comply with MGL chapter 59 section 60 to discuss exemption abatement applications the contents of which are not public record. Motion Passed 3-0. This move comes during the town's peak abatement season, where the department typically adjudicates filings following the mailing of the winter property tax bills.