What is the primary responsibility of the assessor to the citizens?

The primary responsibility of the assessor to the citizens is to ensure a fair assessment of property. This task is essential because property assessments directly influence local taxation, which in turn affects the amount that property owners are required to pay. Fair assessments help maintain equity within the tax system, ensuring that individuals are taxed according to the true value of their property. When assessments are fair, it helps build trust within the community and ensures that funding for public services reflects the appropriate contribution from each property owner based on the value of their property.

Although proper expenditure of municipal funds, following prescribed procedures, and maintaining office hours are important aspects of a tax assessor's role, they are not the primary responsibility when considering the direct impact on citizens. The fairness of property assessments is what ensures a balanced tax burden and contributes to the overall financial health of the municipality.