Post date: Jan 05, 2018 4:44:28 PM
Good afternoon,
On behalf of the Berkshire County Assessors’ Association (BCAA) I am excited to announce a proposed initiative involving the valuation of utility assets and invite communities from the Commonwealth’s four western most counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden to closely consider the benefits of such an association.
At its annual Spring Conference held in May of 2017, the BCAA invited George Sansoucy, PE to speak on utility valuation. Also attending the conference was BLA Bureau Chief, Joanne Graziano and her staff who presented on FY 2018 certification standards. At the conclusion of the conference, Mr. Sansoucy was invited to return for a follow-up presentation on the “utility valuation consortium” model which is presently used by 50 plus communities in NH and whom he represents.
As some of you may know, Mr. Sansoucy is one of the preeminent authorities on utility valuation and appraisal. He is often retained by MA municipalities, the DOR, and state and local governments throughout the US. He recently appeared before the MA SJC as an expert witness on behalf of the City of Boston where his utility valuation methodology was deemed to be credible and therefore, upheld by the SJC. It is that valuation methodology and asset definition expertise we feel will greatly benefit communities in obtaining greater utility asset valuations and new growth.
I ask that your respective county E-boards convene within 30 days to discuss the proposal and to respond to me with any questions you might have. Mr. Sansoucy is willing to meet with county E-Board members at a convenient location and time to further explain the “utility valuation consortium” concept and the benefits we can all expect from participating.
On the municipal management side, Jason Hoch, Town Manager of Williamstown, has taken the lead in advocating for this concept to his fellow town managers, administrators and mayors. Jason has already discussed the concept with his Berkshire County professional association and it was met with great enthusiasm.
We hope you give this proposal careful consideration as many communities, depending on concentration and asset type, could realize up to a 50% gain in utility value in the first year.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have prior to or after your boards have convened.
Best wishes for happy, healthy and prosperous holiday season!
Regards,
Chris
________________________
Christopher J. Lamarre, MAA