TOWN OF MIDDLEFIELD, CT ASSESSOR

Transcription

1 TOWN OF MIDDLEFIELD, CT ASSESSOR Department Reports to: Supervises: Position Status: Assessor s Office First Selectman N/A Non-Exempt Union Position Summary/Purpose: The purposes of this position are to direct and administer the valuation of real estate, personal property and motor vehicles; performs field investigations and inspections required to properly evaluate property; to establish and prepare the Town Grand List. The work involves analysis and calculations; answering customer inquiries. This position also provides clerical and technical duties to maintain real estate, motor vehicle and personal property records in a current and accurate condition, to receive and process exemption and abatement requests, and provide support to the Board of Assessment Appeals. The work involves attention to details to maintain accurate records, update data systems and answering customer inquiries The Town Assessor is responsible to plan, organize, implement and manage the Assessment Office and is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control. Essential Job Functions: (The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.) Plans, directs, and participates in the valuing/assessment of all taxable and non-taxable real estate, motor vehicle and personal property to establish the Grand List. Conducts physical inspection and re-inspection of existing properties, improved properties, and properties under construction to determine their value. Compiles, maintains and analyzes complex statistical data to insure equity in assessments. Analyzes property trends. Investigates property and businesses to discover, list and value property not previously recorded. Projects estimated values of proposed buildings for commercial developments for planning purposes and for Town officials. Works with Land Use Agencies to maintain records of new developments and Town Clerk s office for change in ownership. Updates CAMA data base as part of assessment process. Resolves complaints relating to assessments and makes adjustments as warranted. Assessor 1 Town of Middlefield

2 Assist taxpayers in resolving motor vehicle tax problems by working with the Department of Motor Vehicles and Tax Collectors Office, explain the need for proper documentation, and process changes as required. Maintains accurate property title records and records relating to ownership, sale and value of land and improvements through automated system; review deed and other legal documents filed with Town Clerk to update property records. Inputs and maintains accurate data. Manages the preparation, installation and maintenance of property tax maps. Process the elderly, veterans, renters and disabled tax exemption programs based on eligibility requirements and state statutes. Assist citizens with completing forms, review required documentation to determine eligibility, answer questions, and input exemptions into computer. Meets and provides information to the public, other Town departments, and attorneys to explain assessment procedures and conclusions. Manages and conducts the periodic revaluation of all properties within the town according to State Statutes. Responsible for review and acceptance of completed work and works with vendors to implement automation of revaluation. Responds to Board of Assessment Appeals inquiries, defends the town s findings during assessment appeals by property owners. Prepares and administers budget for office and presents it to the First Selectman, BOS and BOF on an annual basis. Monitors annual budget and approves expenditures. Submits oral and written reports to Town officials and state agencies as required Conducts all work in a safe manner and all work safety practices are followed. Consistent on-site office and on-time attendance is essential for this position Other Functions: Perform similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates. Continue professional development and training; keep current with trends. Assist other department staff as needed to promote a team effort to serve the public. Minimum Required Qualifications: Education, Training and Experience: The qualifications required would generally be acquired with a Associate s Degree in business, accounting or related field; and over five years of progressively responsible work experience in real and personal property appraisal including two years of municipal assessment and appraisal work; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Special Requirements: Must have and maintain: Certified Connecticut Municipal Assessor (CCMAII) and CT Driver s License. Assessor 2 Town of Middlefield

3 Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of property valuation and assessment, including large commercial and residential properties; of State assessment laws, rules and regulations, and various assessment methods; Strong knowledge of computerized mass appraisal systems; thorough knowledge of data processing techniques and applications in valuation and assessment administration; Good knowledge of municipal government, and budget management; Ability to interpret assessment law; to obtain and analyze data affecting property value, and to make impartial and consistent estimates based on such data; Ability to interpret and read deeds understand legal descriptions; Ability to prioritize department operations to meet established statutory deadlines and implement a municipal assessment program; Ability to deal effectively and maintain working relationships with various people, handle customer service, and dispute resolution; ability to administer policies and procedures and to be able to explain them; Ability to work independently and process large volumes of paperwork; ability to type with speed and accuracy and to develop and maintain records and files; ability to keep accurate and detailed records; Ability to prepare and administer an operating budget for the division; ability to analyze office administration operations and to develop operational improvements; ability to work independently; ability to prepare reports in oral and written form; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and to deal diplomatically with the general public and explain technical process of assessments. High level of customer service skills Job Environment: Administrative work is performed in a moderately noisy office. Often required to perform inspections outdoors, under possible adverse weather conditions, including extreme hot and cold and the hazardous conditions associated with construction sites. Requires the operation of an automobile, telephones, computers, copiers, facsimile machines, and other standard office equipment, including CAMA and measuring equipment. Makes constant and periodic contact with other municipal departments, state agencies, vendors, attorneys, title searchers, real estate agents, appraisers, bank/mortgage representatives, and the general public; communication is frequently in person, by telephone, fax, and through letters. Assessor 3 Town of Middlefield

4 Errors in judgment or omissions could result in monetary loss or gain if assessments are not calculated properly and potential liability and a delay in service. Physical and Mental Requirements: Work Environment Outdoor Weather Conditions Work in high, precarious places Work with toxic or caustic chemical Work with fumes or airborne particles Non weather related extreme heat/cold Work near moving mechanical parts Risk of electrical shock Vibration Other- Irate taxpayers and dogs Physical Activity Standing Walking Sitting Talking & Hearing Using hands/fingers to handle/feel - computer Climbing or balancing Stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling Reaching with hands and arms Smelling Bending, pulling, pushing Other Field Work Other- Driving Lifting Requirements Up to 10 pounds Up to 25 pounds Up to 50 pounds Up to 75 pounds Up to 100 pounds Over 100 pounds Noise Levels Very Quiet (forest, isolation booth) Quiet (library, private office) Moderate noise (computer, light traffic) Loud Noise (heavy equipment/traffic) Very Loud (jack hammer work) Assessor 4 Town of Middlefield

5 Vision requirements Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less) Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more) Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors) Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point) Depth perception (i.e. three dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships) No special vision requirements (This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.) Assessor 5 Town of Middlefield