I don't want to abate if we don't have to.  
    -----Original Message-----
    From: Cassie Barbeau <[log in to unmask]>
    To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
    Date: Thursday, May 15, 2003 10:48 AM
    Subject: Re: Board of Abatement questions
    
    
    Cora,
     
    Here in Bennington, our Director of Collections always compiles a list of mobile homes with similar circumstances (can't find owner, unable to collect) and presents the list to the Board of Abatement.  These are always accepted by the Board for abatement.  As for you recusing yourself, I don't know, we have a separate collections department from the Town Clerk.  Good Luck.
     
    Cassandra J. Barbeau 
    Assistant Town Clerk 
    Bennington, VT 
    (802) 442-1043 
    [log in to unmask] 

        -----Original Message-----
        From: Vermont Municipal Government Discussion Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Braintree Town Clerk
        Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2003 10:33 AM
        To: [log in to unmask]
        Subject: Board of Abatement questions
        
        
        Hi.
         
        I have some questions about Board of Abatement hearings.  Braintree has a large mobile home park that was just bought by the state.  There are several mobile homes that are abandoned and uninhabitable.  I received notice from the state that they have sent letters to the current owners saying that they are going to be moving the homes.  I know that they are planning on destroying the homes.  All of these homes have delinquent taxes.  I am the town clerk and delinquent tax collector.  I have been unable to locate the owners.  The previous park owner moved a mobile home that the town had a lien on.  He moved it off a lot and put it in his "overflow" parking.  The trailer roof had collapsed that winter.  That trailer has since been dismantled, but the taxes are still delinquent.  I called a Board of Abatement hearing for next week, but am unsure what to do next.  I have been clerk for 4 years and this is my first abatement hearing.  As Town Clerk I should be taking the minutes for the meeting, but at Delinquent Tax Collector, shouldn't I recuse myself from any proceedings?  Including taking the minutes?  Do we have the authority to abate taxes on these homes?  If not, then how do we ever collect?  Especially since the homes will be destroyed, there is nothing that can placed for tax sale.  Any help would be appreciated.
         
         
        Cora - Braintree