Board agrees to reopen appeal and arrange Burmese translator at next meeting

During other business a taxpayer (parcel 5021290) requested that a closed appeal be reopened because the appellant said a language barrier prevented meaningful participation. Staff confirmed the language needed was Burmese and said the board could reopen the matter and arrange for a translator at the next meeting, provided it is placed on the agenda. "So it's Burmese?" a staff member asked; staff agreed to obtain a translator for the September meeting and to work with the appellant in the meantime.

The board indicated it would include the item on next month's agenda as "other business" and staff offered help to the appellant to prepare the reopening request and to secure a translator. The board encouraged staff to work with the appellant to ensure meaningful access at the next hearing.