Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Assessment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council tables decision on outsourcing assessing function after lengthy public comment
Summary
Following extensive public comment and council discussion, the City Council tabled consideration of a proposal to dissolve the assessing department and contract assessing services. Staff said the option could save money and improve timeliness, but residents cited past experiences and asked for more information.
The City Council postponed action on a multi-part proposal that would dissolve the city’s assessing department and contract assessing services with a multi-year vendor after an extended public discussion.
Manager Charlie Pierce described recurring operational issues: late tax commitments in prior years, the administrative burden on staff and the city’s rapid valuation growth, and said staff solicited a single responsive proposal from Downeast Assessing (Downeast Assessing and Real Estate Services, LLC) that aimed to provide an on‑site certified assessor part‑time and other back-office services. Pierce said staff estimates the contract would be multi‑year and could reduce year‑one costs compared with three full-time municipal positions while improving technical capacity.
Speakers from the public urged caution. Several residents recalled a 1970s reassessment episode that caused significant valuation shifts, warned about potential increases in tax bills, and urged more public outreach. Others described personal experiences of steep waterfront valuation increases this year and concerns about the ability of a contracted assessor to provide prompt in‑person service.
City Attorney Tim Pease reviewed the charter authority and confirmed the council has discretion to appoint or remove the assessor and to contract for services, but counsel recommended careful sequencing if the council elects to proceed. After discussion the council voted to table the item to allow further public input and follow-up work by staff.
