* We have completed the tabulation of all of Winchester's qualified sales that occurred between 10/1/06 and 9/30/07. The Department of Revenue compares the sales prices to the assessed values of the properties and determines the Town's assessment ratio with this information. Other ratios are also calculated that determine whether or not we need to have a statistical update of values or a revaluation. I am pleased to report that our preliminary ratios seem to be well within tolerance and no update will be required. The DRA will provide us with our
final ratios early in January.
* We anticipate that the DRA will give us the new tax rate for 2007 by mid-November so our tax bills can be printed and mailed out by 12/1/07, or earlier.
* Avitar Associates of New England, the Town's contract assessors, will be conducting our 2008 data verification of approximately 25% of the Town's improved properties between 12/10/07 and 12/14/07. There will be 4 staff members in town examining and measuring 379 properties. This data collection is done under contract and is part of the physical data being collected for the scheduled 2009-2010 revaluation. The assessors will attempt to get inside each property they visit. If they cannot get in, appointments will be made with the property owners at a later date to complete this year's data verification. Also, letters will be sent out in advance to each of the 379 owners so that they are aware that their property will be visited.
* Requests for quotations for the printing of the 2008 Annual Town Report book have been mailed out to various printing companies. The bids will be presented to the Board of Selectmen near the end of November.
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