The town of Rindge is in the final stages of a state-mandated, town-wide property reassessment, which has resulted in an average valuation increase of about 97%, according to town officials.
The reassessment, conducted by Avitar Associates under the supervision of the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration, or DRA, is required every five years. Town officials said the increase is significantly higher than in neighboring towns, prompting widespread concern among residents.
In recent weeks, the town has received an unusually high number of calls, emails, letters and petitions from residents questioning the size and accuracy of the assessments, as well as Avitar’s responsiveness.
Town Administrator Max Vandervliet said the town has received multiple complaints about how Avitar has responded to customers during appointments to review their assessments. He said the town has received reports of Avitar representatives being “not responsive, brisk, abrupt or off-putting,” and not reviewing home owner’s proof of improper assessments.
“Avitar should be listening, and making appointments to go to that property to verify, and they’re not doing that in several instances,” Vandervliet said.
In response, the Rindge Board of Selectmen and town administrator have taken several steps. They have requested full documentation of Avitar’s valuation model, asked the DRA to review whether the reassessment meets state procedural standards, and are coordinating with residents to ensure all property owners receive consultations or corrective action as required under Avitar’s contract. The board is also reviewing that contract to verify that all deliverables, communication requirements and quality standards have been met.
Town officials emphasized that the reassessment process impacts every homeowner’s tax burden and trust in local government.
Officials also noted that although property values nearly doubled, tax bills are not expected to rise at the same rate. When property values increase across a municipality, the tax rate typically decreases to keep overall revenue stable.
“What’s most important is that a resident may see a 97%, 90% increase in valuation, that doesn’t mean their tax bill is going to double,” Vandervliet said. “There’s an equalization element.”
The Select Board has yet to set the tax rate for the coming year, but is expected to within the next month or so.
The Board of Selectmen plans to continue meeting with Avitar and the Department of Revenue Administration about the valuation increase and tax rate. Additional updates are expected at the next Board of Selectmen meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 6 p.m. at the Rindge Recreation Department.