Gardner Board of Assessors Meeting Feb 24 2026

The Gardner Board of Assessors convened on February 24, 2026, to review and approve minutes from their previous meeting and discuss ongoing administrative matters. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the issue of residential solar system abatements. The board clarified that residential solar installations are not subject to property tax assessments in Gardner, Massachusetts, and therefore, abatements for these systems are not applicable. To address repeated abatement applications from solar companies, the board approved a formal exemption under Massachusetts General Laws, ensuring rooftop residential solar facilities producing up to 125% of the property's annual electricity needs are exempt from taxation. This action aims to prevent unnecessary abatement disputes and streamline the assessment process. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to comply with relevant legal provisions.