Southwick Assessors hear data complaints, approve routine invoices and exemptions

Other Committee · Meeting of January 28, 2026

Southwick Board of Assessors fields sharp criticism over property valuation data errors during a revaluation year. At the January 28 meeting, public commenters including Beth Lawley of 352 North Loomis Street told the three-member board that inconsistencies in the town's CAMA system, including a jump from 78 to roughly 1,510 homes assigned a 1995 effective build year, have shifted the tax burden unfairly onto middle- and lower-valued residential properties. A Lake Shore Drive property owner identified as Jenkins said his assessed value nearly doubled to $1.5 million overnight, pushing his annual tax bill from approximately $3,000 to $8,000.

Chair John Kane acknowledged the data problems and said the board is considering a town-wide data collection contract, estimated at $150,000 to $200,000, that would require appropriation at town meeting. The board voted 3-0 on all items before it, approving December motor vehicle abatements, several vendor invoices totaling roughly $2,300, a Chapter 61A lien transfer on 64 Tannery Road, sewer betterment commitments for three properties, and all statutory exemption applications.

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Source: the Other Committee meeting of January 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.