Paula Werme (Monitor letters, Nov. 30) warned of unconstitutional searches, referencing a letter recently received from the assessing firm Avitar. I am a Deering selectman, and Deering contracts with Avitar for assessing services. While I appreciate healthy skepticism, I want all readers to know there’s nothing unconstitutional, illegal or mischievous about the referenced letter.
Nobody is required to let an assessor into their home, though you’ll probably want to.
New Hampshire municipalities are required by statute to levy taxes proportionally on real estate. Most, if not all, towns hire assessing firms for this purpose. Avitar is one of several. These firms are continually evaluating parcels for more accurate assessments, which is why Werme – and I – received that letter this year.
All properties undergo routine external inspections. Internal inspections are not required, though assessors need accurate records of the interior’s configuration and condition. Unfortunately, assessors can’t see through walls, which is why they ask for internal inspections. Without one, the assessor will assume new or perfect condition and a typical layout. Most often, this will overstate your property’s assessed value.
As a selectman, I don’t care what’s in so-and-so’s house, or how clean anyone keeps their bathrooms. I do care that the assessing process is uniformly applied across all parcels, over time, with proportional results. I also don’t want anyone to pay more taxes than necessary. That’s why I always recommend granting an interior inspection. Unless, of course, you’re rocking gold-plated toilets.
AARON GILL
Deering