Town Assessor Says Property Reval Inspectors 'Well Received' by Westport Homeowners

A news release from Westport Town Hall:

Vision Government Solutions (“Vision”) personnel have been inspecting residential properties in Westport since early September and have been well received by residents, according to Paul Friia, town assessor.

Since the revaluation is in its beginning stage, the inspections are the main focus of the revaluation company at this time. A RFP for Commercial Property Assessment was sent out last month and one proposal has been submitted to the town.

The inspection process for all Westport residential properties is expected to continue through next summer. For more information about the revaluation process, see www.westportct.gov/revaluation

Every ten years, the State of Connecticut mandates that the Town of Westport perform a physical property revaluation which includes physical inspections of each parcel of real estate.

The purpose of the revaluation program is to develop accurate and uniform assessments based on fair market value as of Oct. 1, 2015. This, in turn, will generate an equitable tax base throughout the town, distributed among Westport taxpayers.

The data collectors will carry photo identification and a letter of introduction from the Assessor’s office. Their cars will be registered with the Westport Police Department and will be clearly marked “ASSESSOR’S OFFICE, POLICE DEPT. REGISTERED VEHICLE” and the Vision Government Solutions logo.

Mr. Friia advised, “Homeowners should request proper identification before granting anyone permission to enter their home. If there are any questions or concerns whatsoever, do not hesitate to contact the Assessor’s Office at 203-341-1070.”

Inspectors will visit residential properties to physically inspect the interior and verify the measurement of the building exterior. Building characteristics such as location, size, age, quality of construction, improvements, topography, utilities and applicable zoning restrictions will be noted. This process takes approximately 10 - 15 minutes, and homeowners will be asked to sign a data collection form to verify that the inspection has taken place. If no one is at home, the inspector will measure the exterior of the home and stop back at another time to request an interior inspection.

First Selectman Jim Marpe said, “While it is not mandatory for residents to allow inspectors interior access, since the data they are collecting is vitally important to the accuracy and uniformity of the assessments, homeowners’ cooperation is greatly appreciated.”

The Assessor’s Office will be sending introduction letters to property owners to alert them ahead of the inspectors’ arrival to work in their neighborhoods.

Direct any inquiries about this project to the Assessor’s Office at 203-341-1070.