Lister's Office - Property Valuation in Pittsford

Listers

At this time, the Listers are: Jack Rogers, Dave Chapman and Bob Harnish; the Listers’ Secretary is Linda Trask.

LISTERS are unique to Vermont; the name came about because in the early days of the State tax assessors were charged with the duty of “listing” all real and personal property owned by each landowner. In most states they are called assessors. Listers are elected officials who are responsible for the valuation of real property (real estate) and business personal property (equipment) in each town. There are three Listers and one is elected each year to serve a three year term. Pittsford also has a part time Secretary who assists the Board of Listers.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICE

The primary responsibility of Listers is to appraise all real property in Town in compliance with applicable Vermont State Statutes. This includes annual maintenance of the records such as updating changes resulting from additions to homes, construction of outbuildings, transfers of property, etc. as well as periodic revaluations when mandated by the State.

In addition, the Listers Office provides property owners with:

  • Property record cards
  • Assessment history information
  • Detailed explanation of the assessment process
  • Tax maps which are updated annually

If you have any concerns regarding your current assessment, general questions or suggestions, please feel free to call this office (802 483 6500 ext. 15). You may also visit our office located in the Town Office at 426 Plains Rd. where Lister Cards and Tax Maps are available for review. Copies are available on request.

TAX RATE FOR PERIOD July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011

    RESIDENTIAL

    Municipal Tax: 0.3794

    School Tax:  1.3984

    Total Residential Tax: 1.7778

    NON RESIDENTIAL

    Municipal Tax:   0.3794

    School Tax:  1.4197

    Total Non Residential Tax:   1.7991

    There is no village tax this year.

      TAXES ARE PAYABLE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

      1. Three installments: Aug 10, Sep 10, Nov 10
      2. Payment in full on or before Nov 10

      GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

      In Vermont, appeals of the valuation of a property are in the form of “grievance hearings” held with the Board of Listers. They typically start in the beginning of June, at least two weeks after notices of new property values are mailed to property owners. Only property owners with assessment changes receive these notices, though anyone can submit a Grievance Appeal. Other taxpayers who wish to appeal should contact this office by the end of May to request notification of the date hearings will begin and obtain the necessary paperwork.

      You may grieve in one of three ways: in person; by authorizing a representative to appear for you; or by mail. In all cases you must contact our office for a grievance application form or you may download one by clicking here. Appointments should be made by the first day of grievance hearings and mailed grievances must be received by this date. That said, we will make every effort to “hear” grievances up to the last scheduled day of hearings. In any case, we would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in our office or at your property to review the information on your Lister Card and property valuation in general.

      PLEASE NOTE: Lower market value of your property is not a basis for reducing your assessment. Your property is assessed in relation to all other properties in Town and in your neighborhood to maintain equity and fairness.

      Pittsford Listers require an interior inspection of all properties under appeal. The Listers will arrange with the owner for an appointment to make this inspection. Without access to perform this interior inspection, the grievance will typically be denied. For vacant parcels of land, no inspection appointment is necessary unless the taxpayer wishes to accompany the Listers.

      Grievance results will be mailed within two weeks after hearings are closed. This notice will contain information regarding the procedure for appealing the decision of the Listers to the Pittsford Board of Civil Authority. (The Board of Civil Authority is comprised of the Town Clerk, the Justices of the Peace and the Select Board.) Appeals beyond the local level go to either the Vermont Superior court or to the Director of Property Valuation and Review. Each level of appeal must be completed before the next can be scheduled.

      Downloads Available

      PDF files open with Acrobat Reader - available free click here.