Westport News

Applications are being sought from qualified candidates having experience in all aspects of determining the value of real and personal property as well as the preparation of all documentation required by MGLS.  The Assistant Assessor/Appraiser works collaboratively with the Board of Assessors and other Town Hall staff and is responsible for revaluations, interim year adjustments, routine property inspections, collecting new construction and personal property data, holding classification hearings, setting the tax rate and conducting taxpayer abatement hearings and appellate tax board appeals.  Will be responsible for devising and implementing periodic revaluation programs including directing and participating in the examination of real property, personal property, motor vehicle and boat tax rolls.  Applicant must have a minimum of four to six years’ experience in Mass. Assessing laws and administration with progressively responsible experience in municipal assessment with supervisory experience.  MMA or CMA accreditation is preferred.  Must be computer literate regarding property tax assessment systems.  Current salary range is $25,000 - $29,000.  Send cover letter and resume to the Secretary to the Board of Selectmen, 816 Main Rd., Westport, MA 02790.  Deadline is January 24, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.  AA/EOE.




Definition
Technical, complex administrative and professional work relating to the operation of the Assessing Department, and in the appraisal of Town-wide property in accordance with state and local statutes and regulations; all other related work, as required.
 
Supervision
Works under the administrative direction of the elected Board of Assessors in accordance with state statutes and the directives and policies of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.  Coordinates department functions with the Board of Assessors.

Performs responsible duties requiring independent judgment and initiative in the administration of the Assessor's office and in establishing fair and equitable values for real estate, commercial, industrial and personal property; work is performed in strict accordance with the directives and policies of the Department of Revenue and in compliance with the Massachusetts General Laws.

Performs highly responsible functions of a technical nature requiring considerable judgment in the analysis and determination of property values; duties require independent thinking and initiative in the administration of the Assessing office, and to modify procedures to meet new conditions.

Job Environment
Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions; regular fieldwork is performed with exposure to weather and the hazards associated with construction sites; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field. Employee is frequently required to work outside of normal business hours.

Operates automobile; operates computer and standard office equipment; utilizes all assessing tools, including measuring tape and camera.

Makes regular contacts with other employees within the department and in other municipal departments; makes frequent contact with property owners, developers, attorneys, engineers, bank officials, real estate professionals, representatives from state and federal agencies, and others relative to the municipality’s valuation of property.  Contacts are in person, by correspondence, by telephone and at public meetings and require excellent customer service skills and clarity in the presentation and explanation of complex, technical and administrative material and information.

Errors in judgment or omissions could result in considerable confusion and delay, could seriously affect the work of other employees and/or board members, could be costly to correct and result in the loss or delay of tax revenue for the municipality, and could reflect poorly on the department’s image.

Has access to all department-oriented confidential information, such as personnel records, bid proposals, pending lawsuits and personal information about citizens' property.  Has access to department-related confidential material related to exemption requests and records, and data related to business and industrial activities.

Essential Functions
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Responsible for the effective operation of a town-wide property appraisal system; assesses value of property; keeps abreast of all new laws pertaining to real estate and personal property.

Responsible for valuing and appraising all residential, commercial, industrial property; supervising the valuation of all personal property for the municipality; conducts inspections of property, as necessary and appropriate, in order to maintain a uniform, full market value on all property; performs revaluation of all property town-wide on an annual basis.

Establishes taxable values for new, remodeled, or enlarged residential, commercial, and industrial buildings according to market data, replacement cost, and/or capitalization of income approach; examines deeds, maps, building plans and permits, personal records and market data to obtain additional valuation data and to locate all taxable property.  On an annual basis ensures the inspection and location of new businesses to determine the values of taxable personal property, such as boats, farm machinery, and office machinery and equipment.

Oversees the data entry of appraisal information into the computerized appraisal system; reviews all changes for completeness and accuracy; adjusts tables to 100% fair market value through statistical analysis.  Develops requests for proposals and bid specifications for personal property revaluation contract; oversees contractor.

Develops all real estate values for state approval on the assessment system.  Prepares all required documentation and reports required to obtain final approval from the Department of Revenue for real and personal property values, new growth and recapitulation report, prepares documentation for Appellate Tax Board hearings and testifies before the Appellate Tax Board.

Prepares reports, budgets, and warrant articles for Town Meeting.

Reviews applications for abatements and exemptions; works with individual taxpayers to negotiate their assessment if necessary; refers decisions to the Board of Assessors for the final approval; defends decisions of the Board of Assessors at Appellate Tax Board; testifies before other land damage cases as an expert witness.

Answers questions from property owners and members of the banking, legal and development community regarding assessments.

Advises on the preparation and management of department budget.  Oversees maintenance of office records, maps, and all necessary assessing records.

Attends professional meetings and seminars as well as Town committee meetings; serves on Town committees as needed.

Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree with courses in business, finance and property assessment; real estate and personal property appraisal courses; three to five years of real and personal property appraisal experience, preferably in a municipal assessor's office; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements
Valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license
Massachusetts Accredited Assessor certification (M.A.A.)
Massachusetts Department of Revenue certification required within one year of appointment

Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge.  Comprehensive knowledge of modern property appraisal principles and practices, including Massachusetts property tax laws.  Considerable knowledge of building, zoning and construction codes.  Working knowledge of accounting and auditing practices relative to property appraisal.

Ability.  Ability to accurately appraise real and personal property. Ability to maintain overview of detailed and accurate records, using data processing.  Ability to compute using various statistical methods; and the ability to work with a computer on a daily basis.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials and the public.

Skill.  Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment.  Advanced math skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Excellent supervisory skills.  Aptitude for working with numbers and details.  Skill in utilizing computers and related software programs.

Physical Requirements
Minimal physical effort generally required in performing administrative duties; moderate physical effort required when conducting field inspections.  Ability to maneuver stairs and uneven terrain for field inspections during all types of weather conditions.  Required to reach with hands and arms; stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.