Tax assessor embraces GIS use
PRESQUE ISLE — City Tax Assessor Lewis Cousins has announced his department’s use of geographic information system — or GIS — technology will bring great benefits to the public.
“With the availability of this technology, you will no longer need to contact the assessing department during work hours to find the information you need,” Cousins said.
The service benefits realtors, attorneys, bankers, appraisers, engineers, surveyors, title companies and many others. Essentially, anyone with internet access will have access to the city’s digital tax maps and property record cards 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
According to city officials, this GIS technology increases accessibility of information and promotes governmental transparency.
“It is a valuable tool that provides information on location, size, shape and other factors,” said Cousins. “It can help analyze property characteristics, identify neighborhoods and property usage, shows boundaries and streets as well as ownership. This important public resource helps the community, taxpayers and other governmental entities visualize the data and make informed decisions.”
All interested parties are invited to attend a live demonstration of the uses and abilities of the city’s new GIS capabilities. Demonstrations will be held every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and Thursday at 2:30 p.m. during the months of December and January at the Public Safety Building on North Street. Those planning to attend should reserve a seat in advance by calling 760-2714 or e-mailing lcousins@presqueuisleme.us.
To use the new system, go to the city’s website at www.presqueislemaine.gov, hover on “Departments” and click on “Assessing” from the drop-down menu. In the new Assessing Department window that comes up, click on the blue “Assessing Maps”. Officials advised that the system does not work well with the Internet Explorer browser, but works well with the Google browser.
The Assessor’s Office is responsible for creating and maintaining an accurate record to include valuation, assessment details, map details, and ownership of record as of April 1 each year of all real estate and personal property located in the city.
“The assessing staff is committed to providing these services with accuracy, professionalism, and respect for the citizens we serve,” Cousins said. “Our mission is to continually and consistently maintain our assessments at or near true market value to the benefit of the city and all property owners.”
