Rutland Town officials debate replacing board of listers with hired assessor

The Rutland Town Selectboard meeting on December 30, 2024, focused on critical discussions surrounding the town's reappraisal process and the future of its lister system. The board is currently grappling with the challenges of reappraising properties, with 33 properties under review and concerns about the availability of qualified assessors.

Marsha, a board member, highlighted the difficulties in finding assessors, noting that there are currently no available candidates. This situation raises questions about whether to abolish the board of listers and transition to a hired assessor. The board discussed the urgency of making a decision on this matter, as they need to prepare for a potential ballot measure in March.

The conversation included the possibility of collaborating with neighboring towns, such as Pittsford, to share resources and potentially hire an assessor. Board members expressed skepticism about the feasibility of finding a suitable candidate, given the current job market for assessors.

The board also considered the implications of putting the issue on the ballot. If approved by voters, they would need to establish a timeline for implementing the changes. However, there was a consensus that if the board of listers remains in place, they could still hire a subcontractor to assist with the reappraisal process if necessary.

As the meeting progressed, members acknowledged the unique characteristics of Rutland Town, which combines residential, commercial, and industrial areas, making the search for an appropriate assessor even more challenging. The board is expected to finalize their decision on whether to place the issue on the ballot during this meeting, emphasizing the need for a clear plan moving forward.