The primary function of the Assessors’ Office is to estimate, for the purpose of equitable ad valorem taxation, the fair market value of all real property (4,659 accounts), personal property (3,037 accounts), and 226 exempt properties within the Town. The office also performs the administrative functions necessary for annual certification of the property tax rate and prepares the annual real estate (which include Sewer Betterments, Title 5 County Loans & Water/Sewer use liens) and personal property tax commitments. Abatement applications resulting from these commitments—together with applications for statutory exemptions—are processed and recommendations made to the Board of Assessors. The Assessor’s Office is responsible for the annual updating of tax map information. The office also collects, compiles, and analyzes sales data for use in the State-mandated interim year valuation updates as well as a re-certification every 5 years. FY’ 24 is an interim adjustment year. Office staff represents the Town in interactions with the Department of Revenue and the Appellate Tax Board. In addition, the assessing staff administers motor vehicle and boat excise taxes, totaling another 4,720 accounts. The office is responsible for maintaining records concerning the ownership, legal status, and descriptive data of all property in Town and serves as the official source for such data. Relying on that data, the office prepares certified lists of abutters and building Density (Scale) calculations for the regulatory boards.