Keep the current lister/assessor mode

The Selectboard is discussing whether to keep the current lister/assessor model. I hope the Selectboard keeps that system in place. The proof is in the pudding - the current system has resulted in fewer disputes about property values, which means property owners think it is fair. The Common Level of Appraisal (CLA), as calculated by the State, remains high. A high CLA is good for all taxpayers when the State determines the Norwich school tax rate. The Town has also been smart to budget for regular town-wide reassessments, rather than expect Listers to keep pace on a piecemeal basis with changing real estate values.

Let's not forget how we got here. The increased reliance on a professional assessor came about because our elected Listers came up short.  In 2008, we saw the Bragg Hill Neighborhood Reassessment litigation, which the Town settled on terms very favorable to the taxpayers, but only for those who fought their reassessments. There was also the not so well-known dispute with the State over the practice of “sales chasing”, which the Town handily lost before an administrative board in 2011. I have reviewed in detail the public record in those cases,including the deposition testimony of the Listers regarding the Bragg Hill matter.   My view is that the Listers were in way over their head, lacking expertise and staff. Having been victimized by “sales chasing” (or more precisely, in my case, chasing real estate listings), I think the Listers action were appalling, particularly because the Listers chose to ignore direct guidance from the State. I got my money back in 2016, after three years of pro se litigation that few could afford. Many taxpayers in the same boat -- our neighbors -- got screwed and paid more than their fair share of property taxes. 

In Vermont, many towns’ Board of Listers hire outside firms to conduct town-wide appraisals. These firms employ their own staff and use proprietary software to create the Grand List. If such assistance is allowed by the statute, then I argue that the Norwich lister/assessor model is also permitted.
The statute is clear that the Selectboard cannot impose this model on the Listers against their will. Here, the Norwich Selectboard is willing to pay for the contract assessor and the results are good. What is not to like?