Panel Declines to Extend Tax Aid Deadline
Whitman's tax relief fund committee declined to extend its Oct. 1 application deadline but admitted one late applicant.
Other Committee · Meeting of October 7, 2026
Whitman's tax relief fund committee declined to extend its Oct. 1 application deadline but admitted one late applicant. Chair Ryan Trestle and guest John Galvin, a Whitman School Committee member, said formally extending the deadline risked an Open Meeting Law challenge because the item was added to the agenda less than 48 hours before the meeting. Principal Assessor Jackie Malahi reported roughly 10 to 11 applications for the fund, which holds about $12,500 according to Treasurer/Collector Debbie O'Brien.
The committee voted unanimously to accept one resident's application begun before the deadline without publicizing a general extension. Trestle called himself "the soft touch" but said the committee had to weigh fairness to residents who met the original deadline. Members then voted unanimously to let Galvin remain for executive session before a 4-0 roll call to review applications behind closed doors.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
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Source: the Other Committee meeting of October 7, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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