Connecticut Association of
Assessing Officers

Job Purpose

The primary responsibilities of this position are to insure accurate and timely assessments of real and personal property and to maintain comprehensive records of assessed valuations and methods.

Working under the general direction of the Board of Selectmen, the assessor must ensure the work complies with the Connecticut General Statutes, accepted practices of the Connecticut association of Assessment Officers and Town Ordinances.

The assessor is expected to maintain an office operation that is dedicated to maintaining a positive public image and responsive citizen relationships through effective and convenient services and communication, consistent and fair assessments and processes, and maintenance and distribution of accurate and timely information.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a business office setting but will include periodic site visits to inspect and meet with property owners within the Town of Norfolk. Manages and coordinates multiple priorities adhering to established time frames. Frequent interactions with people who at, at times, may be agitated. Spends extended periods with personal computer and work at a video display terminal. Required to be able to physically inspect personal property and real estate anywhere in town, which requires working, bending, climbing stairs, and reaching, etc.

Essential Job Functions

• Responsible for appraisal, classification and recording of taxable and non-taxable property as legally required.
• Determines the value of all taxable and non-taxable real estate and taxable personal property to compile the annual Grand List.
• Conducts physical inspection and re-inspection of existing properties, improved properties, and properties under construction to determine their value.
• Manages Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) System, Alden, Novak & Dodd, and Vision Appraisal programs.
• Ensures the Grand List is compiled and prepared in a timely and accurate manner; signs the Grand List.
• Compiles, maintains, and analyzes complex statistical data to insure equity in assessments.
• Evaluates current assessment practices and data processing applications and proposes changes as warranted.
• Investigates property and businesses to find taxable property not previously recorded.
• Resolves complaints relating to assessments and adjusts as warranted.
• Prepares preliminary department budget for review by the Board of Selectmen.
• Manages implementation of department budget by authorizing approved expenditures.
• Maintains accurate property title records and records relating to ownership, sale and value of land and improvements
• Supervises the preparation, installation, and maintenance of property tax maps.
• Reviews claims for exemptions for conformance to State Statutes and records authorized tax exemptions, processes exemption for the elderly and any other exemption that may be authorized.
• Meets and provides information to the public or other Town Departments, and attorneys to explain assessment procedures and conclusions.
• Oversees and coordinates contracted revaluation services and is responsible for acceptance of completed work and recommends the need for and select private appraisal services.
• Serves as ex-officio member of the Board of Assessment Appeals.
• Submits oral and written reports to State and Town Officials, consults with same on assessment related matters.
• May be required to meet with attorneys when a property owner has filed suit against the Town for an unfair assessment.
• Determines office procedures and policies with the approval of the Board of Selectmen.
• Obtains additional training and education in appraisal and assessment laws and techniques.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Detailed knowledge of state statutes relating to assessment of real and personal property.
• Considerable knowledge of the modern principles, practices, and methods of estimating property values for assessment purposes.
• Knowledge of how to effectively utilize a computerized appraisal system and manage an automated office.
• Knowledge of local property values and construction costs.
• Ability to obtain and analyze data affecting property values and to make impartial and consistent estimates based on such data.
• Ability to deal effectively with Town and State Officials, agents, appraisers, attorneys, and the general public
• Ability to prepare an operating budget for a department.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and related equipment with speed and accuracy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess State of Connecticut designation as a Certified Municipal Assessor I (CCMA I)
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Contact

bgomez@norfolkct.org