Grace Ferguson v. New Bedford, City of, Assessors Office (SPR 20231796)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Public Records Division Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records August 16, 2023 SPR23/1796 Nicholas DeMarco, Esq. Associate City Solicitor City of New Bedford 133 William Street New Bedford, MA 02740 Dear Attorney DeMarco: I have received the petition of Grace Ferguson, of the New Bedford Light, appealing the response of the City of New Bedford (City) to a request for public records. See G. L. c. 66, § 10A; see also 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). On July 14, 2023, Ms. Ferguson requested all property tax abatments for the last three years. On July 28, 2023, the City responded and provided a responsive record. Unsatisfied with the City’s response, Ms. Ferguson petitioned this office and this appeal, SPR23/1796, was opened as a result. It is my understanding that the City intends on providing a further response to Ms. Ferguson to address her records request. Accordingly, the City is ordered to provide Ms. Ferguson with a response to her request in a manner consistent with the Public Records Law and its Regulations within 10 business days. A copy of any such response must be provided to this office. It is preferable to send an electronic copy of this response to this office at pre@sec.state.ma.us. Ms. Ferguson may appeal the substantive nature of the City’s response within ninety days. See 950 C.M.R. 32.08(1). Sincerely, Manza Arthur Supervisor of Records cc: Grace Ferguson One Ashburton Place, Room 1719, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 • (617) 727-2832• Fax: (617) 727-5914 sec.state.ma.us/pre • pre@sec.state.ma.us