To the editor:

Dear Portsmouth property owner:

The Town of Portsmouth and its contractor, Vision Government Solutions Inc. are beginning the first phase of the state-mandated revaluation. This first phase requires the town to verify all the building data that is currently on file in the Assessor’s Office by visiting and inspecting each property. Data collectors will begin the data collection process over the next few weeks and will be knocking on doors in order to gain access, with owner’s permission, so that all the existing data on file can be verified. The data collectors will carry photo identification, have a letter of introduction from the Assessor’s Office and will have their cars registered with the Portsmouth Police Department. No interior inspection will be made unless an adult 18 years of age or older is present.

The data collectors will measure the exterior of all buildings and will do a brief walk through of the buildings to make sure that the data on file is accurate. The process takes between 15 and 30 minutes. If you should have any questions on the person or the process please do not hesitate to call the Tax Assessor’s Office at 401/683-1536.

Once the data collection work is completed, analysis will begin to determine what changes have taken place in the real estate market in Portsmouth. New assessments will be developed to reflect the actual transactions that will be taking place in Portsmouth during 2016.

New assessments will be finalized in early 2017, once all 2016 transactions have been recorded. Residents will be notified of the new proposed assessments in February/March of 2017. Individuals wishing to discuss their assessments with Vision Government Solutions will be able to schedule a review in Portsmouth in 2017. Once the review process is complete, the new assessments will appear on the tax bills issued during the summer of 2017.

We thank you in advance for your cooperation during this first phase of the revaluation process.

Matthew A. Helfand

Town Assessor