A proposal to enact a residential tax exemption in West Tisbury drew supporters and critics out at the select board meeting Wednesday. 

The town has not yet decided whether to approve the exemption, which would lower property taxes for people whose primary residence is in the town and put some of that burden on second homeowners, rental properties and vacant land owners. But as the town continues to figure out which homeowners would qualify, seasonal and year-round residents packed the board meeting to give their thoughts. 

For full-time residents, the general reaction seemed positive as it would lower the burden on rising taxes, while seasonal residents were more skeptical, also noting the rises in costs of living and possible impact of higher rates.

Tisbury and Oak Bluffs have approved similar tax exemptions and the West Tisbury select board is expected to make a final decision in the fall after hearing input from the board of assessors and homeowners.  

“I think we need to get as much pre-qualification done as possible so that we can feel confident in making our decision,” select board chair Jessica Miller said. “In terms of setting the rate, I personally would think that would defer to the wisdom of our board of assessors and to the principal assessor to guide us.” 

Some residents are in favor of the exemption, citing it as a way to decrease the burden on those who are already struggling to afford their property taxes. 

“A lot of the second homes and third homes that are built here have raised the values of the neighborhoods, and in some of those neighborhoods are people that cannot afford the taxes that we all pay,” Christopher Lyons, a year-round resident, said. “That I believe is one of the reasons why we are looking at this to help some of the people who are not as well off, who live here year-round, who cannot necessarily afford the same tax rate that [others] can afford.” 

Jonas Herbsman, a seasonal resident, said his biggest concern is how the rising taxes would change his own budget concerns. 

“What I’m concerned about is the level of services that seasonal or second homeowners use relative to the level of services that full time homeowners use is obviously disparate,” he added. “I personally am happy to pay the taxes, if I’m paying at the same rate as somebody else is paying to provide those services.” 

Others, including Rachel Baumrin, had mixed feelings about the possible exemptions. She was a seasonal resident and is now full-time. Her family continues to be seasonal residents.  

“I think my father would never have voted for this, because he would have had to pay more taxes,” Ms. Baumrin said. “But at the same time, now I live here and my community is dwindling because of the lack of affordable housing and the higher rates of living here. And I don’t want to continue to see that because it’s the ethos of the Island.” 

The public is encouraged to continue submitting letters with their thoughts to the board of assessors office.  

“Your property tax is a very unique tax and it does not take into consideration one’s ability to pay it,” said Michael Colaneri, the chair of the board of assessors. “This is to help a lot of local people. This isn’t something to fight the class war. It is important to realize that if [this exemption] does get decided, it could help a lot of people.”

Editor's note: a previous version of this story misattributed a quote said by Michael Colaneri. It has been corrected.