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Chester assessors ask Finance Committee for principal assessor funding; outsourcing could cost more
Summary
The Board of Assessors told the Finance Committee it seeks $55,225 in FY27 to hire a principal assessor after months of corrective data work; members warned that contracting an assessing service could cost up to about $99,405.
The Chester Board of Assessors told the Finance Committee on Feb. 19 that it is seeking $55,225 in the FY27 budget to hire a principal assessor after extensive backlogged data work.
Andy Myers, of the Board of Assessors, said he and colleagues have spent many hours since last fall correcting data-entry errors and training on the office’s software. He told the committee the office plans to switch to the Patriot System used by several neighboring communities and has posted a help-wanted ad for a principal assessor.
Myers said the assessors’ preferred FY27 staffing figure is $55,225 to bring on a principal assessor. He said if the town cannot fund that position, the alternative would be to retain an outside assessing service; the assessors estimated that option could cost as much as $99,405.
Jon Williams, who also serves on the assessor’s board, said he views his role primarily as a processor and stressed the board must review items collectively; he also noted that the DOR signs off on completed assessor work. Committee member Bob Daley asked whether the principal assessor position might be shared with a neighboring town as a cost-saving option.
The Finance Committee did not take a formal vote on the request during the meeting; members began budget reviews and will consider the assessors’ request as part of the FY27 deliberations.
