Connecticut Association of
Assessing Officers

The Office of the Civil Service Commission of the City of Bridgeport is announcing an open competitive examination for Tax Assessor. The date, time and location of the examination will be announced to all qualified applicants at a later date.

Duties:

Under the general administrative direction of the Finance Director, performs work of a difficult and responsible nature in planning, directing, and supervising a continuing municipal program of real and personal property assessment for taxation purposes in accordance with local and state law. Performs related work as required.

Supervision Received: Ranges from Daily to minimal; supervision provided on an as-needed basis.

Supervision Exercised: Supervision of all Tax Assessment Department staff.

Salary Range:

$122,911.00 – $139,608.00 per year. Salary for this position is established per Bridgeport Municipal Ordinance 2.36.010. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package. This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time municipal employees; depending on the employee group some of these benefits may include: retirement pension administered by CMERS (Connecticut Municipal Employees Retirement System), health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription), life, disability, paid leave, paid holidays, 457(b) deferred compensation plan (employee paid), and other voluntary employee paid benefits.

Typical Tasks or Assignments:

The essential functions or duties described below are the primary functions and duties of the position. There may be other types of work that may be performed, and the omission of a particular duty or function does not exclude that duty or function from the position provided the duty or function is similar in work, related to the work or logically assigned to the position.

• Oversees the preparation of the Grand List of Taxable Property for the City of Bridgeport and certifies the Grand List for public review as prescribed by state law.
• Applies advanced knowledge of valuation and appraisal principles and methodology to provide subject matter expertise to staff, other City departments, the Board of Assessment Appeals, the public, etc., and to solve complex problems.
• Reviews departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state laws governing real and personal property assessments and identifies ways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of assessment procedures according to current industry best practices.
• Monitors the completion of work performed by department staff to ensure adherence to timelines and schedules for the department’s programs.
• Reviews the work of staff to ensure that staff follow proper valuation methodologies, makes appropriate decisions granting or denying exemptions, and completes required state forms and reports.
• Delegates work and establishes priorities for staff and alters work plans and schedules as needed to meet changing priorities of work objectives, resources, and/or workload demands, and to ensure the department’s work is completed in a timely and efficient manner, and in accordance with mandated timelines.
• Provides consultation and guidance to staff regarding the appropriate courses of action to resolve unusual, sensitive, or complex problems.
• Provides the public with information regarding property sales, titles, and assessment procedures; and addresses complaints of property owners disputing assessed values.
• Calculates real property values based on comparable sales and market trends.
• Calculates values of personal property, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, and income potential.
• Obtains sales information about comparable properties and researches and analyzes real estate market trends such as sales prices, rents, construction costs, etc., as part of the property valuation process.
• Performs field inspections of residential and commercial buildings and property, including new construction, alterations, and demolition, to gather information for use in valuation.
• Collaborates with the City Attorney and the Board of Assessment Appeals in the formal appeal process and as a subject matter expert regarding valuation methodology.
• Attends meetings of the Board of Assessment Appeals and City Council as required and testifies in court or hearings regarding department policies and procedures, and valuation decisions and methodology.
• Ensures the protection of confidential data by monitoring and controlling access to department systems and files.
• Prepares a variety of documents (e.g., email, meeting summaries, memos, letters, briefing documents, statistical and narrative reports, etc.) to answer questions, obtain information, and document findings, decisions, and recommendations using word processing, email, spreadsheet, and database programs.

Requirements:

• College graduation with a degree in Business Administration or a related field.
• At least seven years of professional experience in assessing or appraising commercial, industrial, residential, and personal property, of which a minimum of three years shall have been at a supervisory level in a Connecticut or Northeast Region municipality, or in a comparable private sector position. May qualify with an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Currently hold, or obtain within twenty-four months of hire, a Connecticut Municipal Assessor Certification (Level I or Level II).
• Must pass medical physical including drug screen. Must pass criminal background check. Candidates can be disqualified based on an unacceptable criminal/work history.