Director of Regional Assessing / Assessor - Cumberland County Government

The Cumberland County Regional Assessing Office oversees the annual real and personal property assessing services for six communities (Gorham, North Yarmouth, Casco, Yarmouth, Falmouth and Baldwin) in Cumberland County.  The department is currently staffed with 7.5 employees, handling the work for six communities.  The office just completed revaluations in Falmouth and Gorham and is undergoing a revaluation in Casco currently.  Revaluations are contracted out by each community and the office works with the contracted party for implementation.  Each town hall has an assessing liaison that provides support between the Regional Assessing Office and town hall.

JOB PURPOSE:  This is professional services work responsible for determining the valuation of specific municipal exempt and taxable, real and personal property. The Assessor’s duties and responsibilities are mandated by State Statute, primarily MRSA Title 36. This position involves extensive public contact, and considerable independent professional judgment and initiative. This position is 40 hours per week, with a full benefits package.  Starting salary range is between $55.01/hr and $60.87/hr and is commensurate with experience.  Cost of living increases are provided each July (budget approved) and the County offers an annual longevity increase.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Possess 7-10 years of directly related experience in real estate or municipal assessing;
• Hold a current Maine assessor certification (CMA) or be on track to earn it in the first 6 months of employment;
• Hold a Bachelor's degree in a closely related field;
• An equivalent amount of education and/or experience to be considered, with significant weight given to candidates holding a CMA;
• Hold a valid State of Maine driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire;
• Demonstrate knowledge of principles and practices of appraisal and tax assessing as applied to the determination of land, building and personal property values for tax purposes;
• Demonstrate knowledge of applicable laws and regulations;
• Demonstrate the ability to recognize and analyze factors influencing the value of properties and to analyze and interpret laws, ordinances, rules and regulations;
• Demonstrate strengths in math, organization and frequent interaction with the public. 

1. Directs, plans, and organizes the work of the assessing department in order to ensure municipal properties are assessed in compliance with state law, and applicable regulations.
2. Manages Assessing department staff, including regular performance evaluations, oversight of staff activities, and administration of all staff duties.
3. Performs on-site inspections of land and buildings in order to gather data related to location, value, use, and building characteristics. Appraises and evaluates properties.
4. Conducts inspections and reviews taxable personal property listings in order to determine the assessed value of machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures.
5. Researches recorded deeds provided by the County Registry to establish the owner of the record and to determine the correct tax liability.
6. Completes annual assessment work in accordance to MRSA Title 36 mandates; prepares annual commitment warrant and certification to the municipal Tax Collector & Treasurer; calculates the municipal tax rate and completes annual ratio study used for the State Valuations.
7. Maintains accurate assessment records, including computerized data on all land, buildings and personal property. Adjusts property record cards and maps to reflect transfers of real estate and adjusts assessment records accordingly
8. Maintains positive public relations by responding to specific municipal taxpayer inquiries regarding assessments, parcel boundaries, exemptions, value estimates, laws and regulations, etc., via owner, real estate broker, attorney, surveyor, or potential buyer. Reviews and processes property owner’s requests for assessment changes.
9. Maintains State’s assessment standards of a Coefficient of Dispersion less than 20 and a Sales ratio between 70% and 110%.
10. Creates new valuation model for specific municipalities for periodic revaluations.
11. Processes and compiles annual municipal tax maps changes for new lots, acreage, boundary line changes, street names and numbers, subdivision lot numbers and new building footprints.
12. Processes municipal annual Tree Growth, Farmland, Open Space, Homestead, Veteran, Blind and Institution property tax exemptions. Calculates and assesses Tree Growth penalties.
13. Submits department annual budget request to the County Manager and provides other reports on departmental activity as required. Determines accurate assessments for annual collection of municipal property taxes as the specific municipality’s primary revenue source.
14. Executes official documents as required by Law.
15. Attends meetings of Boards of Assessment Review as needed; makes reports and recommendations to the Board as required.

Cumberland County offers an excellent and comprehensive benefits package and is proud of its talented and dedicated workforce. Come join our team and culture of engaged employees. Our strong management team is dedicated to providing employees with inspiring leadership, a positive and friendly workplace, support, encouragement and the necessary tools for success. We offer tuition reimbursement, wellness program, and professional development and training opportunities.

This position is 40 hours per week, with a full benefits package.  Starting salary range is between $55.01/hr and $60.87/hr and is commensurate with experience.  Cost of living increases are provided each July (budget approved) and the County offers an annual longevity increase.

Position will remain open until filled. 

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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