Town of Lyme hears Avitar revaluation timeline; notices, hearings to follow with completion expected in August 2026

The Town of Lyme Select Board met April 14, 2026, and heard a presentation from Avitar Associates on the schedule for the townwide property revaluation. Avitar said it will begin with a sales and data review, proceed to a field review, issue a preliminary report for town review and then send updated assessment notices with information on how owners can request hearings.

Why it matters: revaluations reset assessed values that affect property tax bills and typically prompt questions from owners about changes in assessed value and comparisons with neighboring properties. The process the town follows determines how and when owners can seek adjustments or explanations.

Avitar’s representatives told the board the first phase is a review of sales and data verification and estimated that step would be completed around June 2026. After sales analysis and a field review, Avitar will send the Town a preliminary report showing revaluation results. The town office and Select Board will review that report before notices go to property owners. Notices will explain the change in assessment and include resources and instructions for scheduling hearings to discuss individual assessments. A second notice will be sent to anyone who had a hearing or whose assessment changed later in the process. According to the presentation, Avitar currently expects to complete the revaluation in August 2026.

Select Board members and Municipal staff were present during the presentation; representatives from Avitar noted that the timeline anticipates time for public outreach and for owners to request review appointments. The board did not take a formal vote on the revaluation timeline at the meeting; the presentation served to inform staff, board members and the public about key dates and the hearing process.

The Select Board’s next procedural step will be to review any materials Avitar provides and to prepare for the owner-notice process outlined by Avitar. The board did not set additional deadlines at the April 14 meeting; staff will follow up as Avitar completes the sales review and the preliminary report.