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Audit Objective

Determine whether select real property tax exemptions are properly supported by adequate documentation.

Key Findings

We reviewed 58 out of 765 agricultural, veteran and senior citizen exemptions, totaling $2.9 million, on properties with a total assessed value of $7.7 million. The Assessors:

• Granted or subsequently maintained 20 exemptions totaling over $1.4 million that were not properly supported by adequate documentation.
• Did not periodically monitor exemptions or obtain annual renewal documentation as required, to ensure the exemptions were in compliance with State or local laws.

Key Recommendations

• Ensure all applicants provide adequate supporting documentation before granting exemptions and then retain this documentation.
• Periodically monitor exemptions and ensure annual renewal documentation is provided when required.

Town officials generally agreed with our findings. Appendix C includes our comment on issues raised in the Town’s response letter.