Author: Chris Wilcock - Bureau Chief of Local Assessment
On behalf of the DLS Bureau of Local Assessment (BLA), we want to welcome all the new local assessment public officials. As valuation professional in Massachusetts, you will play an integral role in evaluating property values, most likely the largest revenue source in your community.
BLA is responsible for regulation, oversight, training and technical assistance to cities and towns in the areas of real and personal property valuation and classification. Guidance is provided for the assessment and classification of property; the methods of determining the actual fair cash valuation of different kinds of property for tax purposes; qualifying assessing personnel to classify property; and the adequacy of tax maps and other records. Collectively, Massachusetts local assessors value over $1.8 trillion dollars of property annually and maintain property descriptions for over 2.5 million real estate parcels. BLA is here to help local assessment professionals administer fair and equitable property assessments by providing guidance and education to local assessors.
Our bureau provides training for assessing personnel through the Introduction to Assessment Administration (Course 101). This course consists of 10 modules: an introductory module and 9 modules covering various aspects of assessment administration. Your Gateway account must have the rights to view Course 101. If you do not see Course 101 under Assessor Management, contact your local account administrator or DLS Gateway Support, DLSGateway@dor.state.ma.us. Every community is assigned a BLA Field Advisor who can provide helpful insights and information. If you’re unsure who your BLA advisor is, please see our municipal assignments list.
All new assessors should subscribe to our DLS YouTube Channel. This online resource will provide you with the latest training videos in the area of property valuation and municipal finance. Also, please visit our Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center. DLS webinars are always full of important information and a few highlighted assessing videos are:
- What is Proposition 2 1/2?
- DLS Gateway for Assessors
- Property Tax Classification - The Classification Hearing
- LA3 Best Practices, Processes and Sales Code Review Video
In closing, welcome to all incoming local assessment professionals. The Bureau of Local Assessment is here to assist you and we look forward to the positive impact you will make in the community you serve.
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City & Town is brought to you by:
Editor: Dan Bertrand
Editorial Board: Marcia Bohinc, Linda Bradley, Sean Cronin, Emily Izzo and Tony Rassias
| Date published: | June 20, 2024 |
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