FY 2012 VALUATIONS
The Board of Assessors conducted a comprehensive reassessment of all classes of properties in the
Town of Princeton as mandated by the Massachusetts Deptartment of Revenue.
The proposed Fiscal year 2012 valuations will be availabel for review beginning
Thursday, December 8th, 2011 thru Thursday, December 12, 2011
in the Assessors office in Town Hall, 6 Town Hall Drive, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
and Tuesday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm and at the Public Library, 2 Town Hall Drive, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Tuesday thru Saturday.
Taxpayers may contact the Board of Assessors with questions regarding the proposed assessments.
THE ROLE OF ASSESSORS IN MUNICIPAL FINANCE
In Massachusetts, assessors are either appointed or elected to three-year terms. State law requires that assessors value all real estate and personal property subject to taxation. Assessed valuations are based on "full and fair cash value" as of the January 1st preceding each fiscal year.
All of the assessors' activities are intended to insure that taxpayers pay an equitable tax. Every year assessors conduct market studies to determine what value adjustments are required to maintain property values at or near 100% of market value. The State Department of Revenue requires assessors to submit their valuations for review and certification every three years.
Assessors do not raise or lower taxes. That responsibility falls to those citizens who choose to be involved with Town Meeting and the budget preparation process. Assessors simply assess taxes in an amount sufficient to cover state and local appropriations.
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