Whitman Assessors Welcome New Member, Approve Exemptions and Abatements

WHITMAN — January 20, 2026 — Whitman's Board of Assessors welcomed a new member and approved a full slate of tax exemptions and abatements at its January 20 meeting. Brittany Cavallo was seated as the board's newest member, though she did not vote on the December 17, 2025 minutes because she had not yet joined the board at that session. The board approved veteran exemptions under Clauses 22E and 22, two Clause 41C senior exemptions at $2,500 each, four Community Preservation Act exemptions, three Habitat for Humanity overvaluation abatements totaling approximately $13,656, and two motor vehicle abatements of $1,825.52 and $259.10. The board also reviewed a $18,989.13 rollback tax on a Bedford Street property exiting Chapter 61A agricultural status — a figure owed to the town regardless of whether the Select Board exercises right of first refusal the following week. Members opened a preliminary discussion on raising the tax deferral income ceiling from $30,000 to as high as $60,000, noting the current limit is below the Clause 41C eligibility threshold.