Needham assessors begin cyclical inspections; abatement applications at 160 as of meeting

At the Feb. 12 meeting the Town of Needham Board of Assessors reported that cyclical property inspections began the previous Monday and that 160 abatement applications had been received as of the meeting date.

Julie, the director of assessing, said inspection schedules and a question/faq sheet are posted online and that residents who do not want interior inspections may contact the assessor’s office to be placed on an opt-out list. She urged residents to allow inspections where possible, saying accurate on-site data are important for fair valuations.

On the volume of abatements, staff noted the count of 160 applications reflects some carryover and mail delays; the office expects numbers to decline as earlier-year questions are resolved but encouraged residents to review their January bill and to contact the assessor’s office with questions.