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Results of Tax Hearing
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Ladies and Gentlemen:

Here are the monthly updates and announcements.

BOS Meeting August 26, 2019:
I would like to thank all of you who attended Monday's Select Board Meeting. We indeed filled the room.

The Board adopted the Assessor's recommendation to keep the Residential Tax Exemption (“RTE”) at 25% and to not increase it for this year. (The maximum can be up to 35%). Obviously, we want the RTE voted out completely but maintaining the status quo was probably the best we could have achieved at this time. We did point out to the BOS, through public comments and signs (thank you sign makers -- you know who you are) that: (1) the RTE is a tax shift from full-time resident property owners to part-time resident property owners with no consideration or measure as to who needs the exemption and who can afford to pay it, but rather is imposed upon a property owner solely because he or she is part of a group (part-timers).  Needless to say, this arrangement -- if you will -- is not only optically inequitable but in fact inequitable; (2) the RTE has been in effect for almost 4 years with little evidence, if any, supporting the notion that the RTE has done anything to achieve the stated goals of the exemption (promoting more year-rounders and securing more affordable housing). While these are laudable/non-controversial goals, at this point, all that has happened is that some property owners identified as full-time residents can receive a deduction in taxes with non-residents picking up the tab with the  average difference being $1,147; (3) the RTE is not the answer and has created far more anger and divisiveness than positive return toward achieving its intended purpose; (4) Part-timers are a diverse group with diverse experiences/ideas and are ready to work with the Town to come up with more creative, less divisive means to protect Provincetown.

Again, thank you to those who attended. Remember BOS Meetings happen every other Monday, 6pm. The agenda regularly affords an open mic to speak your mind. You should take advantage, not to mention that meetings themselves can be very informative. (Much thanks to Board Member Scott Van Hove for diligently sitting through the last few regularly scheduled BOS meetings to keep us up to date on matters addressed beyond the RTE.).
 
Joining Committees:
This is related to the existence of the RTE in the first place... part-timers need a meaningful voice. True, voting is one such voice. But in the meantime, you can apply to join Non-Regulatory Committees as alternates. Not ideal, but a start. BOS Chair David Abramson has informed us that participation can be remotely.  Please let me know if you have applied. Here is the link to find the Committees and vacancies and board handbook.

Support a Fellow Member:
In the effort to continuously support one and other, member and author Cynthia Newberry Martin, is reading from her novel Tidal Flats at PTown’s East End Books Aug 31st, 7:00pm-8:00pm. Cynthia is also featured in our Spotlight.  Please show your support.
 

Sign Up for Alert Me:
Reminder that as we approach the winter weather (boo, who said that?), you should register on the Alert System. The Alert System will allow you to keep up to date with weather conditions including, if you want, receiving a recorded message from the Town Manager concerning severe weather matters. To sign up, go to the Provincetown website (Thanks to Board Member Laura Rood for providing this very helpful reminder).
 
You will also notice that below “Get Alerts” you can also click on “Notify Me” to receive notifications for BOS meetings, committee meetings, town events, etc… Once you entered your information and click on what/how you want to be notified, you will receive a confirmation email. Click on the confirmation link in the email to save your requests.
 
September 7 from 4-7pm We will be Hanging Around:
On Saturday September 7 from 4-7pm, PPRTA members Toni Levin and Laura Rood will be joining me at the Firehouse Station No. 3, which is actually a booth at 254 Commercial Street, west of Town Hall. We will be there promoting/educating folks about the PPRTA. Stop by if you are in town. (Thanks to Board Member Melissa Falen for setting this up).
 
Last But Not Least:
Our modest dues only cover our operating expenses. To be more effective and get out message will take more funding. Will you consider a donation to help get the word out? Please give whatever amount you can to support the PPRTA’s mission to give all taxpayers a say.

Surely the above information was worth something?
 
Pat
President, PPRTA

SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Dues only cover our operating expenses. You can help us make progress on our mission with a donation -- and we sincerely thank those of you who have already been generous. Please give what you can to our Action Fund and help us give all taxpayers a say!
 
Please make sure to "Like" the Provincetown Part-Time Resident Taxpayer Association on Facebook! It's a great place to connect with other Provincetown part-timers to discuss the issues and challenges that we face.
About the PPRTA:
The Provincetown Part-Time Resident Taxpayers Association works for the betterment of the whole community of the Town of Provincetown by providing a forum and a voice for the interests of Provincetown part-time resident taxpayers, most of whom must make their voting residence elsewhere.

Goals
  • Maintain and support the unique quality of life that exists in Provincetown.
  • Advocate for representation on budget-related issues for part-time residents of Provincetown. 
  • Provide a forum for part-time resident taxpayers to communicate with local, regional and state governments.
  • Encouraging the participation of part-time residents in all aspects of the community.
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Provincetown Part-Time Resident Taxpayers Association · P.O. Box 1686 · Provincetown, MA 02657 · USA

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