Milton BCA Recesses Vermont Telephone Appeal as State Telecom Valuations Take Effect

The Milton Board of Civil Authority recessed a tax assessment appeal from Vermont Telephone Company on July 29, 2026 after hearing an explanation of newly assigned state telecommunications valuations that affect land-line infrastructure across town.

Chair Jon Hughes opened the hearing and noted "the property is made up of land lines throughout town, with a parcel ID # 500014.000000," and that the company had not appeared in person. Assessor Edgar Clodfelter told the board the state created a new "TC" classification for telecommunications assets and that, under recent legislation, local listers and assessors must use values assigned by the state. Clodfelter said Milton's Grand List experienced an overall net gain after the state's assignments.

Board members raised questions about how to value older or inactive lines and noted the appeal pathway: grievance with the town assessor, appeal to the local BCA, then appeal to the state. Members referenced 2024 legislation (Act 145 / H.657) as part of the context for the change. Clerk Kristin Beers read the appellant's letter requesting the appeal. The BCA appointed an inspection committee of Denise Hughes, Lonnie Poland and Kary Towne to review the property details.

Lonnie Poland moved to recess the hearing until Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 6:00 PM; Denise Hughes seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The board noted that if it assigns any valuation different from the state's figure of $76,400, the town assessor intends to appeal the BCA decision.