Vermont telecoms file appeals and sign stipulations after state-set valuations; BCA to forward stipulations to Selectboard

Formal appeal notices from Vermont Telephone Company and VTel Wireless were received July 9, 2026 after grievance-day denials of state-set valuations on the town grand list. The companies' letters state in identical form: "Please accept this letter as our formal notice of appeal of the tax valuation of that property," and provide company contact information.

Meeting materials include Form 4224-84 results showing the grievance-day dispositions: Vermont Telephone Company (Parcel ID 3397) listed "Appeal denied. Fair Market Value remains $15,400" and VTel Wireless (Parcel ID 3398) listed "Appeal denied. Fair Market Value remains $31,000," both marked "VALUE SET BY STATE." The BCA reviewed stipulation templates and unanimously authorized the BCA chair to present an endorsed stipulation to the Selectboard on Aug. 4, 2026 and sign as necessary.

Department of Taxes guidance circulated with the materials (Property Valuation and Review) explains that because the valuations were furnished by PVR, towns may use a voluntary stipulation agreement to substitute for a contested BCA hearing and then forward the matter to PVR or Superior Court. The guidance notes that a signed stipulation is treated as the BCA decision for purposes of the taxpayer's next appeal step and explains fee handling (PVR fee of $70, Superior Court $295) and that PVR may waive duplicate $70 fees in this high-volume year.

Copies of stipulations in the meeting packet are dated July 9, 2026 and include signatures from municipal and corporate representatives stating the parties "waive the procedural requirements of 32 V.S.A. § 4404" and that the PVR valuation will be considered the BCA valuation for further appeal.