The Assessing Department is responsible for the administration of all Massachusetts laws and Department of Revenue regulations regarding property tax assessment. The Assessors, as required by Chapters 59, 60A, 61, 61B & 121A of the Massachusetts General Laws and various acts of the Legislature, value approximately 12,000 parcels of real and personal property. This includes residential, commercial, industrial and personal property including utilities. Our department administers over 30,000 excise tax bills each year and is responsible for establishing assessed values of property every year. After Town Meeting approves the budget and warrant articles and the selectmen hold the Classification Hearing, jointly with the Assessors in the fall, the Assessors set the tax rate, subject to approval by the DOR. The Assessors can then commit the amount of taxes to be collected including betterments and liens to the Treasurer/Collector. The Department also handles abatements and various types of exemptions for veterans, seniors, surviving spouses, the blind and hardships.
The Assessors are also responsible for triennial certification by the DOR and defense of property values before the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board. The Department oversees the Overlay Reserve Account and works daily with the taxpayers, real estate professionals, builders, planners and lawyers.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes
Members
- Stanley Zoll, Chair
Term Expires: 2023 - Janet Teal, Member
Term Expires: 2024 - Mark Haussamann, Member
Term Expires: 2026