Town Manager: 2014-15 Tax Levy Will Hinge on 2013 Revaluation

Assistant Town Manager Steve Bartha and Town Assessor Harry DerAsadourian have reviewed bids for revaluation services for 2013, identifying P.B.S. Systems, LLC as the ideal candidate for the job.

Avon Town Manager Brandon Robertson requested authorization from the Town Council at its Thursday meeting to enter into a joint contract with P.B.S. Systems for Avon and Canton.

Robertson informed the council in its Thursday meeting materials that the revaluation, which would go into effect on the 2013 Grand List, "will form the basis for calulating the tax levy" for the 2014-15 fiscal year budget.

Hartford-based P.B.S. Systems was the lowest bidder of four applicants, requesting $142,500 to do the job, according to a memorandum from Bartha and DerAsadourian to Robertson that was submitted to the Town Council in its meeting materials.

Avon would pay 60 percent of the total contract amount and Canton would be responsible for 40, Robertson said at the council's February meeting, according to draft minutes.

In 2008, revaluation services cost $149,100 combined, according to Robertson.

Avon and Canton contracted P.B.S. to do revaluation work in 2003. Darien, Farmington, Plymouth and Simsbury have also used the contractor, according to the memo.

The business has been licensed by the state of Connecticut for such work since 1997, the letter states.

The Town Council will review the recommendation at its March 7 meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, Building 1.