Middleboro Considers Quarterly Tax Bills in 2003

Resistance to change is a given, but how many more years will be required and how many more 'experts' are required to drag Middleboro into the 20th Century, never mind the 21st Century?

Can't you just hear cries of: But Maude, we've done it this way for 100 years ..... ?

After the 10/29 Selectmen's STM Meeting Hearing, who's the biggest impediment to quarterly billing? Is it the Assessors' Department?

Didn't the Middleboro Town Treasurer indicate during the BOS hearing regarding the DOR Report (Dept. of Revenue) that quarterly tax bills would net the Town $50,000 per month in interest income?

The hastily conceived 11/5 STM (Special Town Meeting Warrant) omitted MANY items that should have/might have been included because of the Management by Panic policy endorsed by the current Board. Should Quarterly Tax Billing have been included?

Remember when Ross Perot commented that pretty soon you're talking about real money?




SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
MAY 12, 2003
Quarterly Tax Payments
Sandy Bernier and Judy MacDonald were present.
Chairman Perkins explained that he had asked the Treasurer/Collector if it would save any money to have quarterly tax billings instead of semi.
Ms. MacDonald had explained that this would not benefit Middleborough because there is a cash flow from the Gas & Electric Department, and therefore no need to borrow. She said if interest rates increased it might be worth it. She also noted the increase in workloads to do quarterly billing, as well as postage.
Selectman Rogers asked about direct deposit and bi-weekly pay. Ms. MacDonald said this bi-weekly would only save about $8000 in time and personnel. She noted that any changes would not be done "overnight". Deductions would have to be recalculated.
Discussion ensued on whether or not the Unions would have to be given notice. Ms. MacDonald felt this would be negotiable, as it would be a change in conditions.
Ms. MacDonald said that more than ½ of all employees have direct deposit.

http://www.middleborough.com/Selectmen/Minutes/May%20Minutes/May%202003/May%2012,%202003.htm