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Board deference on a high-stakes revaluation affecting every property owner, with no independent scrutiny

Hopkinton property values up ~79.8% townwide after revaluation. 3 residents raised concerns at the 8/26 Select Board meeting. The board's response: talk to the Assessor. No commitment to review methodology or outcomes. Over 200 hearings already scheduled.

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Equity concern in property assessment methodology raised by resident

At 8/26 Hopkinton Select Board meeting, resident Laura Morgan raised concerns that assessing software produces inequitable results between older and newer homes. Town Administrator defended the process. The board asked no follow-up questions.

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Sealed nonpublic minutes limiting public scrutiny of personnel and property decisions

Hopkinton Select Board (8/26) voted unanimously to seal two sets of nonpublic session minutes — one on personnel, one on a property lease/sale. Both legal under RSA 91-A. Property matter sealed until a future public hearing.

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Community-funded park improvements and hazard mitigation plan adoption

Good news for Hopkinton's Riverway Park: Byron Carr presented a community plan for play equipment, benches, restrooms & art — entirely funded by donations, no cost to taxpayers. Board also adopted FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan unlocking grant eligibility.

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🧵 Hopkinton Select Board met 8/26/24. The biggest story: a townwide property revaluation with values up ~79.8%. Here's what residents need to know. 1/6

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Town Administrator Cass reported property values are up about 79.8% townwide before any hearing adjustments. Over 200 individual assessment hearings have already been scheduled — a sign of widespread resident concern. 2/6

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3 residents spoke during a public forum and raised concerns: inequitable results between older and newer homes, questions about methodology, and at least one resident said the assessment is affecting their decision to sell their home. 3/6

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The board's response? Town Administrator Cass defended the DRA-certified mass appraisal process and directed residents to schedule individual hearings with the Assessor. The board itself made no independent statements and signaled no intent to review methodology. 4/6

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Over 200 assessment hearings already scheduled suggests this is a widespread concern, not a few isolated complaints. Residents deserve a board that engages with systemic concerns, not just a referral to the individual hearing process. 5/6

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Bottom line: A ~79.8% revaluation is underway, equity concerns were raised by residents, and the board offered no independent scrutiny. If you own property in Hopkinton, this affects you. Pay attention and show up. 6/6

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Longer-form draft.

**Hopkinton Select Board — August 26, 2024: Key Takeaways for Property Owners**

If you own property in Hopkinton, here's what you need to know from the August 26th Select Board meeting.

Town Administrator Neal Cass reported that the townwide property revaluation has pushed assessed property values up approximately 79.8% before any hearing adjustments. Over 200 individual assessment hearings have already been scheduled — a strong signal that this is a widespread concern across town.

Three residents spoke during a public forum on property assessments. Resident Laura Morgan raised concerns that the assessing software produces inequitable results between older and newer homes — a structural fairness argument, not just a complaint about one property. Resident Rick MacMillan shared that the assessment is directly affecting his consideration of whether to sell his home. Byron Carr also commented on modern assessment methods. These are real financial stakes for real residents.

The Town Administrator responded by defending the Department of Revenue Administration-certified mass appraisal process and directing residents to schedule individual hearings with the Assessor. The Select Board made no independent statements and offered no commitment to examine whether the methodology is producing equitable outcomes across property types.

In other business, Byron Carr presented a community-developed plan for Riverway Park improvements — including play equipment, benches, restrooms, picnic tables, and art displays — all to be funded entirely through donations at no cost to the Town. The board also adopted the FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation Plan Update 2024, which makes Hopkinton eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation grants covering flooding, high wind, severe winter weather, and fire hazards.

The board voted unanimously to seal nonpublic session minutes on both a personnel matter and a property lease or sale involving town assets. Both are permitted under RSA 91-A. The property matter will remain sealed until a future public hearing.

Hopkinton residents — especially property owners — should be aware that over 200 hearings are already scheduled. If you have concerns about your assessment, contact the Assessor's office to schedule a hearing. And consider attending the next Select Board meeting to ask where this revaluation stands.