Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors is required by Massachusetts Law to annually assess taxes to cover the cost of running the Town, along with State appropriations assessed to the town. The Assessor's office has nothing to do with the total amount of taxes collected.

The Assessor's primary responsibility is to determine the "full and fair cash value" of your property so you pay only your fair share of the taxes. Assessed values in Massachusetts are based on "full and fair cash value," or 100 percent of fair market value. Each year, the office reviews sales and the market. This is done so that the property taxpayer pays his or her fair share of the cost of local government, in proportion to the value of the property.

While the tax rate is set by the Assessors, it is determined by all the Boards and Departments within the town. They determine the budget needed to provide for services such as schools, fire, law enforcement, roads, trash collection, etc. The tax rate is simply the rate which provides funds to pay for these services.

The Assessor's Office must appraise and assess approximately 1,300 parcels for real estate and 50 personal property accounts.

The responsibility for maintaining and annually updating the Town maps rests with the Assessor's office.

The Assessors also administer Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes.

For further information, please contact the office during normal business hours-help is always available!