The Board of Assessors is a three member, elected Board, which is responsible for estimating the fair market value of all property in Wellesley.
The Assessors have four main responsibilities:
- Assess all property (real and personal) within the Town at a fair and full valuation
- Set the tax rate (see Guidelines for Annual Assessment and Allocation of Tax Levy)
- Process bills of Wellesley residents for the motor vehicle excise taxes
- Prepare the valuation list of real estate and personal property
As the primary generator of Wellesley’s revenue, the Board of Assessors functions as part of the Town governmental system but is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR). Duties are summarized in the DOR job responsibilities document.
Any assessor, elected or appointed must meet certain minimum qualification standards established by the Commissioner of Revenue. They are the only elected board required by the DOR to successfully complete courses and training.
Assessors also take a special oath of office with the Town Clerk.