Assessors

Determine taxability and value of properties, using methods such as field inspection, structural measurement, calculation, sales analysis, market trend studies, and income and expense analysis.

Inspect properties, considering factors such as market value, location, and building or replacement costs to determine appraisal value.

Explain assessed values to property owners and defend appealed assessments at public hearings.

Prepare and maintain current data on each parcel assessed, including maps of boundaries, inventories of land and structures, property characteristics, and any applicable exemptions.

Establish uniform and equitable systems for assessing all classes and kinds of property.

Inspect new construction and major improvements to existing structures to determine values.

Issue notices of assessments and taxes.

Write and submit appraisal and tax reports for public record.

Complete and maintain assessment rolls that show the assessed values and status of all property in a municipality.

Analyze trends in sales prices, construction costs, and rents, to assess property values or determine the accuracy of assessments.

Review information about transfers of property to ensure its accuracy, checking basic information on buyers, sellers, and sales prices and making corrections as necessary.

Conduct regular reviews of property within jurisdictions to determine changes in property due to construction or demolition.

Approve applications for property tax exemptions or deductions.

Maintain familiarity with aspects of local real estate markets.

Identify the ownership of each piece of taxable property.

Calculate tax bills for properties by multiplying assessed values by jurisdiction tax rates.

Provide sales analyses to be used for equalization of school aid.

Supervise staff members.

Serve on assessment review boards.

Hire staff members.

Assist in the training of new staff.

Explain real and personal property taxes to property owners.