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Assessor says new appraiser hired; commercial vacancy and ADU classification remain unresolved
Summary
Woburn’s assessor reported a new residential appraiser hire and investments in mobile inspection tools while saying the city still cannot fill a commercial appraiser vacancy and is awaiting state guidance on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) valuation.
John, Woburn’s chief assessor, introduced a new residential appraiser and credited staff for completing cyclical inspections required under Massachusetts Department of Revenue standards. He said the office now uses mobile assessor tools and Vision CAMA software tied to aerial imagery to speed field work and data uploads.
John reported 298 property tax exemptions granted this year and said technology investments have improved efficiency while keeping the department’s budget largely level-funded. He said the department increased spending about $2,950 for GIS mapping and data services.
On staffing, John said the office has been unable to recruit a commercial appraiser for a position budgeted at about $97,000; the department recommended reducing the immediate budgeted amount to half that level pending a hire to reflect current hiring realities. Councilors pressed about the vacancy and John said the commercial appraisal market is tight and hiring can take months.
John also said the Massachusetts Department of Revenue has not yet provided final direction on how municipalities should classify and value accessory dwelling units (ADUs). To prepare, the assessor’s office has flagged ADU parcels in the city’s valuation system so it can switch quickly if the state issues a new class code.
Discussion versus direction versus decision: presentation was informational. Councilors praised staff and asked follow-ups about the commercial vacancy; no personnel or budget decisions were made at the meeting.
The assessor said the department will continue recruitment and monitoring of state guidance on ADU valuation and report back as needed.
