West Tisbury Voters Gather Tuesday
By IAN FEIN
The fate of the West Tisbury town hall has been in limbo since town voters rejected a cost overrun to the renovation project last November. But a new direction may emerge next week when voters convene for the annual town meeting to consider a series of articles that address the town hall project in different ways.
Voters should be familiar with the topic. The town hall renovation, in one form or another, has been discussed at six town meetings over the last three years.
Beacon Hill Politics Endanger Outcome in Tax Case Dispute
By IAN FEIN
In a rush of political maneuvering that played out on Beacon Hill this week, the chairman of the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board on Monday withdrew her name from consideration only two days before a scheduled hearing on her reappointment to the post.
The uncertain fate of the chairman complicates the outcome of the West Tisbury-Graham property tax case and raises the possibility that it may have to be retried.
Study Assesses Costs in Up-Island Schools
Long-Awaited Analysis of Finances for Regional District Concludes Cost Allocation Formula Is Fair
IAN FEIN
The cost allocation formula for the Up-Island Regional School District is substantially fair, according to a long-awaited independent analysis released yesterday.
Attorneys Trade Charges in Graham Property Case; Closing Legal Briefs Filed
By IAN FEIN
In closing briefs filed at the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board this week, attorneys for West Tisbury resident William W. Graham argued that flaws and errors by town assessors warranted hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax relief, while the town's attorney countered that Mr. Graham never proved that the values placed on his property were wrong.
Closing a chapter in the landmark sovereignty case, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) this week agreed to submit town permit applications for the shed and pier it built on Menemsha Pond in 2001.
The announcement comes at a time of renewed cooperation and communication between the town and tribe, and marks a significant moment in the long-running case that has garnered widespread attention and reached the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
West Tisbury Reins in Costs for Next Year
By IAN FEIN
After reviewing the previous town budget last spring, the West Tisbury finance committee authored a strong letter to selectmen warning that the rapid growth of town spending was not sustainable.
It appears the town may have stemmed the tide.