What is the primary responsibility of a municipal assessor in Connecticut?

The primary responsibility of a municipal assessor in Connecticut is to estimate the value of real and personal property for taxation purposes. This valuation process is crucial because it directly impacts how much property tax each property owner pays. The assessor gathers and analyzes data on property characteristics, market trends, and comparable sales to ensure that property assessments are fair, equitable, and in compliance with the state laws.

Valuation is an essential component of the tax system, as it provides the foundation for funding local government services, schools, and infrastructure. While conducting public meetings and overseeing tax collection are important aspects of the broader tax system, they do not encapsulate the core function of the assessor's role, which is primarily focused on property valuation. Understanding property value is key to ensuring that taxes are distributed according to the assessed wealth of the property owners in the community, which is why this responsibility is paramount in the municipal assessor's duties.