Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Assessor Roles topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Charter reviewers debate assessor term length, combining assessor/tax-collector roles and job title change
Summary
The commission discussed whether the assessor should have a defined term (HR recommended four years), whether combining assessor and tax-collector roles is appropriate, and whether to adopt a flexible title such as 'director of assessment and taxation' to allow one or two-person staffing.
Commissioners examined appointment terms and job structure for the assessor and related finance roles.
The HR contact (Cheryl) told the commission the assessor's appointment had not been defined in the charter and recommended a four-year appointment; commissioners differed on whether positions should remain 'at the pleasure' of the first selectman or be fixed-term to provide continuity. One member suggested a two-year term concurrent with the first selectman; others favored a longer term to reduce politicization of the technical role.
The group also discussed the legality and practicality of permanently combining the assessor and tax-collector roles. Commissioners said council and attorneys had previously approved a temporary combination, but some warned the combination might not be appropriate as a permanent charter change because the positions can involve different certifications and workloads. A proposed compromise was to adopt a flexible title (suggested wording included 'director of assessment and taxation' or 'director of tax assessment and collection') that would allow the town to staff either one combined position or two separate roles depending on operational needs.
Commissioners tasked staff to consult further with HR, the town attorney and to obtain written counsel opinions or precedent from other towns to guide final recommendations.
