Last night's Special Town Meeting for West Tisbury was very different from the previous three or four. There were no really contentious issues although the Board of Assessors was rebuffed once more.
The Board asked for $6500 needed to perform the triannual revaluation required by the state. The article lost on a voice vote (which I thought was too close for the moderator to call) due to the voters being concerned at the appearance of favoritism towards Vision Appraisal, the only company to whom the RFP was sent. Town customs and/or regulations usually require three bidders on a project. The Assessors claim that mass appraisal companies, such as Vision Appraisal, use clipping services to learn of opportunities and, thus, any company interested in bidding would have known of the opportunity. It's likely that this issue will be brought before the Annual Town Meeting as the Town must have this revaluation done in FY2008.
Another surprise was the approval of an article - to pay a past due bill - which required a 90% vote in favor.
The debate on most issues was informed and brief. Did the Finance Committee's televised hearings on their recommendations have an effect?
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