The Gorham Town Assessor:
The Town of Gorham and the Town of Seneca; Gorham's neighbor to the East, share an Assessor in a Coordinated Assessment Program. (CAP)
Gorham has a contract with the State of New York to accomplish Annual Reassessment. Gorham property owners benefit from Annual Reassessment in many ways: Gorham's Equalization Rate remains at 100%, which makes it easier for property owners to relate to and compare Assessments. Also, Assessments remain consistent and there is a monetary reimbursement from the State in the form of Maintenance Aid for keeping the Assessments up to date and equitable. As part of the Annual Reassessment Program, Assessments are reviewed yearly, not necessarily changed.
Gorham Assessor Dirk Davey has over 20 years of experience in Real Property Valuation and Assessment. In Gorham we recognize that the most important job of the Assessor is to maintain equity in the Assessment Roll so Assessments are fair, allowing the Municipalities, (School, County, etc.) to levy their respective taxes and meet their budget needs.
Data collection is also a critical aspect of the Assessor's job. Fair Assessment is dependent on correct inventory of Real Property. We will be considerate of Property owners' privacy and, at the same time, collect inventory relevant to valuation: (How big, how many, what age and condition?)
Exemption administration is another important job of the Assessor and staff. Assessor Aide, Sue Yarger is knowledgeable and proficient with the ever-increasing numbers of Exemptions available to Taxpayers. Pamphlets detailing Exemptions and Assessment procedures are available at the Assessor's office, which is located in the lower level of the Gorham Town Hall.
March 1st each year is Taxable Status Date: By law, all Real Property must be assessed for the upcoming year as it, the property, exists on that day.
Exemption applications must be filed with the Assessor's office by March 1st each year.