Assessors approve 5% across-the-board increase to FY2027 assessments

The Board of Assessors voted to increase assessed values across the town by 5% for fiscal year 2027 after hearing a statistical review of recent sales data.

Consultant Roy Bishop told the board that the town’s beginning assessment median was at about 90 and that Department of Revenue standards put acceptable medians between 90 and 110. "If you choose a median of, say, 95, then we would be looking at a roughly 5% across the board value increase for all types of property in town," Bishop said. He explained that the analysis is mass appraisal and does not predict individual sale prices.

Board members discussed that residential and condo sales drove the consistency of the median, while commercial and industrial parcels often require individualized review. Board member Marilyn Gudini emphasized that the change affects assessed values, not market value, saying, "The assessed values are going up, not the value of the property." The board proceeded to a roll call and recorded affirmative responses on the 5% increase as shown on the meeting record.

The board directed staff and the consultant to flag any commercial or unusually configured properties for individual attention before final certification to the Department of Revenue. Staff will return finalized values and supporting documentation as part of the certification process.