West Tisbury is starting to process homeowners for a residential tax exemption as the select board ponders if it will enact the controversial tax shift.
The select board sought to ditch portions of the fence to solve the burden of maintenance costs, but the idea faced pushback from the town’s historic district commission.
The residential exemption would lower the tax burden of West Tisbury town residents, but could result in higher bills for people who own second homes or rental properties in the town.
The white picket fence bordering State Road and the West Tisbury cemetery will remain standing for now after the town historic district commission, in a split vote Monday, denied a plan from the select board to remove most of the fence.
The West Tisbury select board this week took steps to reorganize the town affordable housing committee after a period of disarray, appointing two new members and asking the committee to reconsider its leadership.
West Tisbury voters will weigh in on an initiative to promote private affordable housing in town at their fall special town meeting next week, along with deciding on a series of minor funding articles.