By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — Casco has issued an alert — letting residents know that a property assessor may be pulling into their dooryard sometime this summer.

That’s because the town is doing a complete property revaluation. The company hired to do the reval is Vision Government Solutions.

Earlier this month, the town’s website has posted details such as the employee’s name and a photo so citizens can rest assured it is the person hired to do the job and not an imposter. Plus, this information gives the public a heads-up that the stranger is an expected visitor, someone doing a job. 

Last week, Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward mentioned the presence of one assessor in the area although there may be more assessors at a later date. He told the Casco Board of Selectmen that in its packet was a flyer that is also on the town website.

“The lone person is Larry. There is a picture of him and a description of the vehicle he will be driving,” Ward said. “We are making it as transparent as possible.”

When Vision Government was initially interviewed by the board, one of the concerns was effective communication with the public. Vision told the selectmen that there would be a public awareness campaign before assessors even start visiting parcels.

Keeping the public updated is part of the process, Ward said.

“So, if someone come into your yard, you can check the photo on the website. All Vision employees have to have photo IDs and have to identify themselves,” Ward said.

The online flyer is a letter from Town Assessor Rob Sutherland.

“Although you [Casco property-owners] are not required to allow access to your property, we all greatly appreciate your cooperation,” Sutherland wrote. “Our goal is to acquire accurate information to value your property fairly.”

To view the information that is posted on the Town of Casco’s website, go to cascomaine.org and scroll down to NEWS AND NOTICES.