FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Video: City Manager’s Corner Introduces Rochester’s Chief Assessor and Provides Insight on the Assessment Process

ROCHESTER – City Manager Dan Fitzpatrick is pleased to unveil the latest chapter of the City Manager’s Corner, in which he and new Chief Assessor Jonathan Rice discuss the complexities of property assessments.

The City Manager’s Corner, a video series in which City Manager Fitzpatrick and his staff discuss a variety of government topics, is released approximately every other month on the city’s video hub.

In the most recent installment, which you can watch by clicking here, City Manager Fitzpatrick first introduces residents to Rice. Together they then provide an overview of the assessment process in an effort to demystify property tax bills and the the work completed by the assessing department.

“New England cities and towns have historically relied on property taxes as a way to fund government services,” City Manager Fitzpatrick said. “We want taxpayers to understand the assessment process and how that ultimately impacts their tax bills.”

In the video, Rice breaks down different approaches to assessing property value and describes in brief what they mean, as well as how they’re applied to different properties.

“When looking at individual properties, we do everything we can to ensure the assessed value is in line with both the fair market value and that it is equitable when compared to similar properties within Rochester,” Rice said. “We also place a high value on making sure that all taxpayers’ concerns are heard and fairly evaluated.”

Taxpayers who disagree with their property’s assessed value have multiple options to have their assessments reconsidered. Fitzpatrick and Rice discuss those options at length, including talking directly with Rice, filing an abatement with the assessing office and — if neither of those provides a suitable resolution — appealing to the state agencies that oversee local assessments.

Taxpayers also have the option to appeal to the city’s Board of Assessors.

This program will be repeated many times on the City of Rochester Government Channel, MetroCast cable channel 26. For the cable schedule and more information about the government channel please visit: https://www.rochesternh.net/rochester-government-channel

For more information on the Rochester Assessing Department, visit its page on the city website or call the office directly at 603-332-5109.

###