Board of Assessors

The City of Somerville Board of Assessors consists of three members. These members are appointed by the Mayor and subject to confirmation by the City Council. As per Section 38 of the City Charter, members of the Board of Assessors serve three year staggered terms, meaning that one term each year requires reappointment by the Mayor and confirmation by the City Council. Vacancies occurring in the Board may be filled in the same manner, but only for the unexpired term. Under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapters 58 to 65C, the Board of Assessors fall under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Revenue who may revise rules, regulations, and guidelines, as deemed necessary to establish minimum standards of assessment performance. Before assessment values, new growth, and tax rates are set, they must be certified by the Department of Revenue on an annual basis. Every three years, the Department of Revenue will send an audit team to the City. The audit team will evaluate the methods used by the Board of Assessors in order for the City to be certified for revaluation.