Nahant property assessments out

NAHANT-Assistant Assessor Sheila Hambleton is urging residents to check their property record cards for errors now that the preliminary property assessments are available.Earlier this month, the state Department of Revenue (DOR) granted the town preliminary certification for FY ?11 assessments.Hambleton said every three years the DOR audits the work of the assessor’s office. Hambleton said DOR certification means the town used accepted appraisal methods and the appraisals accurately reflect the effects that the various types of property, neighborhood, price, style, grade, condition, year built and size have in developing the new assessments. She said the methods used ensure fairness, equity and consistency of assessments.Hambleton said the preliminary certification was merely the first step in the process that must be completed before tax bills can be mailed this fall. The next step, which is already underway, is the required public disclosure period in which the FY ?11 assessments are available for public review.Hambleton said the disclosure period is to correct any errors in the proposed assessments that come from factual or methodological mistakes.?We are required to inform homeowners of their proposed assessment,” she said. “The important thing is for residents to check their property record cards and make sure the information is correct before the assessments are certified by the DOR.”Only taxpayers who have a mailing address that is different from the property address would receive a notice in the mail containing their new assessment, according to Hambleton. She said other taxpayers will be able to access property record card information, including their proposed assessment, online at www.nahant.org or at the assessor’s office in Town Hall.Hambleton added it is important for residents to check and see if their property is classified as a single- or multi-family. She explained the assessors inspect properties and then classify them according to how the property is being used at the time of the inspection.Hambleton urged residents to notify the office if any changes need to be made as informal hearings are being conducted through Aug. 3. Appointments may be made by calling 781-581-0212 or by e-mailing [email protected] the public disclosure period, the Assessors will notify the DOR of any value changes stemming from the public disclosure period. The DOR will complete the audit and grant certification of the FY ?11 assessments, then selectmen will set the tax rate.