City releases new video detailing assessments, abatements

ROCHESTER - City Manager Dan Fitzpatrick released a video in which he and new Chief Assessor Jonathan Rice discuss the complexities of property assessments.

In the video, 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 work completed by the assessing department.

"New England cities and towns have historically relied on property taxes as a way to fund government services," 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