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Board of Assessors

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1. What does the assessor do?

The Assessors are required by Massachusetts Law to list and value all real and personal property. Valuation is subject to ad valorem taxation, which requires the Assessors to tax property according to value. Assessed values in Massachusetts are based on full and fair cash value or 100% fair market value.

Assessors are required to submit these values to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue for certification every three years. The Assessors review property values in interim years, as well. This allows the taxpayer to pay his or her fair share of the cost of local government in proportion to the amount of money the property is worth annually, rather than every three years.

The Rockland Assessors’ Office assesses approximately 5,900 parcels of real property and 360 personal property accounts.

2. What does the assessor not do?

The Assessors do not raise or lower taxes or create the laws that affect property owners. The Massachusetts Constitution requires that direct taxes on persons and property be proportionately and reasonably imposed. Taxes must be raised annually in an amount sufficient to cover the state and local appropriations chargeable to the Town. These taxes levied will include state taxes, which have been duly certified to the Board, Town taxes voted by the Town (including Proposition 2 1/2), and all taxes voted and certified by the annual town meeting.

The Assessors are not involved with the collection of taxes. It is the responsibility of the Assessors to apportion the tax burden according to the value of the properties in town, thus, allowing property owners to pay their fair share of taxes.

The tax rate is determined by all the taxing agencies within the Town, and is the basis for the budget needed or demanded by the voters to provide for services, such as schools, roads, and law enforcement. Tax rates are simply those rates, or tax dollars per one thousand dollars of assessed valuation, which will provide funds necessary to pay for those services.

3. What is a proposition 2 1/2?

Proposition 2 1/2 places constraints on the amount of taxes that the town can levy and on how much the tax levy can be increased from year to year. It provides the town with annual increases in its tax levy of 2.5% and an additional amount based on the valuation of allowable new growth. With proposition 2 1/2, a minimum 2.5% increase in the total tax levy can be expected each year. For more information visit Division of Local Services’ Proposition 2 1/2 Primer.

4. How is your assessment determined?

To arrive at full and fair cash value for your property through mass appraisal, the assessors must know what willing sellers and willing buyers are doing in the Rockland sales market. The Assessors must collect and analyze a great deal of information about property and market characteristics in order to estimate the fair market value. The Assessors must analyze sales and sales trends occurring in the Town of Rockland each year in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue guidelines. Three standardized appraisal approaches to value are used: market, cost and income. The data is then correlated into a final value.

The object of the valuation program is to estimate reasonable cash value as of January 1 (known as the "assessment date") prior to the fiscal year. For example, the assessment date for Fiscal Year 2012 is January 1, 2011. Therefore, sales of calendar 2010 are used in the fiscal year 2012 analysis to determine full and fair cash value.

5. How can my taxes increase?

When the people vote additional spending at town meeting there is the potential for an increase in taxes to occur. If you were to make improvements to your property, such as, adding a garage or additional living area, the assessed value would also increase.

When market value increases, the Assessors seek to adjust the assessed values accordingly. In adjusting assessed values the Assessor does not create value; residents create value by their transactions in the marketplace. Depending both on the types of shifts in assessed value within the town and on the actions of the town’s budget producing bodies, this process of keeping assessments in line with the real estate market can result in an increase in taxes.

6. What if I disagree with the assessment of my property?

If your opinion of the value of your property differs from the assessment value, feel free to come into the Assessors’ Office and research the valuation. The staff is willing to answer any questions about the valuation and assessment procedures. View more information on our Assessment Disagreements page.

7. What types of exemptions (reduction from real estate taxes) does the Town of Rockland offer?

Several exemptions are available under Massachusetts General Law to reduce property tax obligations for certain qualifying taxpayers. View more information on our Reduction from Real Estate Taxes page.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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Library

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1. How do I get a library card?

Library cards are issued free of charge. All that is necessary is proof of your current address. The signature of a parent/guardian is required in order to obtain a library card for a child under 13 years of age. The Rockland Memorial library is a member of the Old Colony Library Network, and your card may be used at any of the member libraries.

2. Do I need to bring my card each time I use the library?

Yes, your library card identifies you to us. It also allows us to quickly access your record and ensures that items are being charged out to the right person. It is for this reason that we ask that a library card be presented each time you check out materials. When you phone the library you should have your library card handy.

3. How long may I borrow materials?

• Books 2 Weeks
• Books on Tape/CD 2 Weeks
• CDs and Cassettes 2 Weeks
• Magazines 2 Weeks
• Videos/DVDs 2 Weeks

Materials borrowed from other libraries may have different loan periods.

4. Where do I return library materials?

When returning items to the circulation desk, please place items on the counter, not the cart, to ensure they will be properly checked in. You may return items to the book drop, the children’s room or any of the other libraries in the Old Colony Library Network, unless otherwise noted on the items.

5. Can I keep an item longer?

Most materials may be renewed once. Videos, magazines and materials that are on hold for other patrons may not be renewed. You may renew items at the circulation desk, over the phone with your library card number or online.

6. What do I pay if I return materials late?

Fees include:

Item	Fee
Museum Passes	$5 per day late
Mobile Hotspots	$40 replacement fee when lost

Fines are no longer charged on overdue books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs owned by the Rockland Library.

Please note that some other libraries still charge fines on these items, and items belonging to these libraries will still accrue fines if returned late (This is determined by which library owns the item, not where it's checked out or returned).   

7. What if I lose materials charged to my card or I lose my library card?

If you lose books or other items charged out to you, you will be charged the replacement cost of the items. 

Call the Library if you lose you card. If someone else used it to check out items, they would be on your account. Replacing a card costs $1 and requires an ID. 

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Police Department - Domestic Violence

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1. What will the Judge do before speaking with you?

The judge may grant or deny the 209A Order after speaking with you. If the judge grants the Order, you will receive a Temporary Order for up to ten days. A court date will be scheduled within 10 court days for you to return to court for a Permanent Order, which lasts for a year and can be renewed. Keep your copy of the Order with you at all times. The judge will also order the abuser to surrender all guns and gun permits he or she possesses.

The police will deliver (serve) a copy of the Order to your abuser and will keep a copy on file at the police station. It is important to provide the abuser’s home, work, or other likely addresses so that the police can serve the Order as quickly as possible and provide the required notice of the next court date. A violation of certain terms of a 209A Order (orders to vacate the premises, refrain from abuse and have no contact with you) requires that the police arrest your abuser. A violation of a 209A Order, once the abuser has notice of the Order, is a criminal offense.

After you have completed the 209A complaint or application forms, return them to the Clerk’s Office and ask when the judge will hear the applications for protective orders. The Clerk’s Office will tell you the time and courtroom location for your hearing.

2. What happens next?

At your hearing, the judge will ask why you need a protective order and will review your complaint or application forms and affidavit. The judge will be deciding whether it appears there is a substantial likelihood of immediate danger of abuse. He or she will probably ask you some clarifying questions. In some court’s, a "209A Briefing Session " is held before the hearing and a Court Advocate or a District Attorney’s Victim/Witness Advocate will explain the hearing process and be with you in the courtroom.

3. What about child custody and visitation?

A 209A Order from a District Court can provide you with temporary support and custody of your minor children. Only the Probate and Family Court, however, can decide child visitation rights. A 209A Order from that court may be more helpful in dealing with abuse protection that also involves divorce, long term financial support, child custody and visitation issues. You may want to speak with a private attorney for Probate Court or call one of the legal services or victim’s services listed on this brochure for an attorney referral list. Pro bono (free) or reduced fee legal services may be available.

4. What Relief can I ask for on an application?

You may request the judge to order that the abuser:

• Stop or refrain from abusing you
• Have no contact with you or a child in your custody
• Vacate or move out of the house or apartment where you live

You may also request the judge to order that you receive support and temporary custody of your children if the abuser has a legal duty to support or shares custody. You may request payment for medical costs incurred due to injuries caused by the abuser and related loss of wages. You may ask that the abuser not contact you at work or at a relative’s home, and that your new address be kept confidential from the abuser for your safety.

5. How can I get an order in District Court?

Should you decide to go to a District Court for a 209A Order, you may go to the District Court in the area where you live or, if you have fled to another area to avoid abuse, you may go to the District Court in the area where you now live (Dukes County Courthouse, Main Street, Edgartown). Go to the Clerk’s Office in the court and ask for a "protective order" or a "209A Order," You will receive a packet of forms to complete as an application for a protective order.

In some courts, there may be a Court Advocate from a local battered women’s service agency to help you with the form. A Victim/Witness Advocate from the District Attorney’s Office is also usually available for assistance and to discuss the option of filing criminal charges against your abuser. Ask someone at the Clerk’s Office to direct you to the District Attorney’s Victim/ Witness Office for help. You do not have to file criminal charges in order to obtain a 209A Order. However, criminal charges can be helpful in holding a batterer responsible for criminal acts committed against you. If there is a criminal violation, the Court can also require a batterer to obtain counseling or other treatment.

6. Where can I get a 209A Order?

A 209A Order can be obtained in any District Court, Superior Court, or Probate and Family Court in Massachusetts. An emergency 209A Order can be obtained through any police department after court hours, on weekends and holidays. You do not need a lawyer to file for a 209A Order4 and there is no charge for filing.

7. What is the legal definition of Abuse?

Chapter 209A, the Massachusetts Abuse Prevention Act, defines abuse as:

• Actual physical abuse
• An attempt to harm another
• Placing another in fear of serious physical harm
• Causing another to engage in sexual relations by force, threat of force or duress

8. What is a 209A order?

An Abuse Prevention Order, called a "209A Order," or a "protective order," or "restraining order," is a civil court order intended to provide protection from physical or sexual harm caused by force or threat of harm from a family or household member. You can obtain an order against:

• A spouse or former spouse
• A present or former household member
• A relative by blood or a present or former relative by marriage
• The parent of your minor child
• A person with whom you have or had a substantial dating relationship

9. What questions are asked on the forms?

On the application or complaint forms for a 209A order, you need to make a sworn statement (affidavit) describing the facts of any recent or past incidents of abuse. It is important to provide as much information about the abuser as possible. You must also disclose any other existing 209A Orders from any court or any Probate Court action you are involved in, including any divorce or child custody proceedings.

10. What happens at the end of the year or effective date?

If a 209A Order is issued by the judge for a year, you must return to the court for an extension of the Order at the end of that year or the Order will expire. The judge may grant or deny the 209A Order after speaking with you. If the judge grants the Order, you will receive a Temporary Order for up to ten days. A court date will be scheduled within 10 court days for you to return to court for a Permanent Order, which lasts for a year and can be renewed. Keep your copy of the Order with you at all times. 

The judge will also order the abuser to surrender all guns and gun permits he or she possesses. The police will deliver (serve) a copy of the Order to your abuser and will keep a copy on file at the police station. It is important to provide the abuser’s home, work, or other likely addresses so that the police can serve the Order as quickly as possible and provide the required notice of the next court date.

A violation of certain terms of a 209A Order (orders to vacate the premises, refrain from abuse and have no contact with you) requires that the police arrest your abuser. A violation of a 209A Order, once the abuser has notice of the Order, is a criminal offense.

11. What is a 10 day hearing?

The Ten Day Hearing requires that you return to the court on the date given on the Order. If you do not return to court, the Order will not be in effect after that date. The hearing offers the chance for both parties, you and the abuser, to come before the judge and offer information (evidence) as to why a permanent 209A Order, which lasts for one year, should or should not be granted.

Bring any hospital records, photographs or police reports you may have for the judge to review. You may also bring a support person with you. The abuser may be present at the ten day hearing and may oppose the 209A Order. If the abuser is not present and has been served with the Order, the judge can still grant the Order for one year period.

12. What happens if an arrest is made?

If the abuser is arrested, seek assistance from the Victim/ Witness Advocate in the District Attorney’s Office the next morning after a nighttime arrest, or at any time during the day at the courthouse. A Victim/Witness Advocate will explain what the charges mean and what will happen next. The Advocate will also offer ongoing information, referral for services and cases updates throughout the time the case is in court.

13. What happens if the order is violated?

Once a 209A Order is issued, violation of certain terms of the Order is a criminal offense. Violations of orders to refrain from abuse, to have no contact, and to vacate a household, multiple family dwelling or workplace, can be prosecuted criminally under chapter 209A. If the abuser violates the order, call the police immediately. Show the Order to the police and explain how it was violated ( a punch, slap, threat; entering your house or apartment or refusing to vacate; or, any contact with you at home or your workplace, either in person, by telephone or mail).

The police must arrest the abuser if they believe or can see that the terms of the Order were violated. If you do not call the police, you may be able to file an application for a criminal complaint on your own at the Clerk’s Office in the District Court. A Victim/Witness Advocate can assist you with that process.

If you put yourself in contact with the abuser, he is vulnerable to arrest. Therefore, if you want any terms of the order to no longer apply, you should return to court and ask that the order be modified or vacated.

14. Can a minor obtain a 209A Order?

A minor under 18 years old can obtain a 209A Order with some restrictions. Generally, a parent or guardian needs to be present, but the judge can decide to issue a 209A Order without a parent present if the minor appears to be in danger. In some cases, the Department of Social Services may offer assistance in gaining help for a minor. Many high schools and colleges also offer support groups for students in violent relationships. A parent may also obtain a protective order for his or her child.

15. What should you do if you want to change the terms of the order?

Any changes in the Order before that date must be made with both you and the abuser appearing in the same court where the Order was first given. A request to change or amend the Order can be made at the Clerk’s Office, and a hearing will be arranged before a judge.

16. Will the intervention stop the abuse?

There are no guarantees that the violence will stop because the abuser attends a certified batterer’s intervention program. Many abusers drop out of programs or do not comply with the requirements, or only reduce their abuse temporarily. If the judge requires attendance as part of a sentence, dropping out may mean the defendant/ abuser may have to serve jail time. The abuser must want to change the abusive behavior and work hard at making those changes. Promises to change, flowers and apologies are not enough. 

You deserve to be safe and free from abuse.

Certified batterer’s intervention programs provide services in very strict group settings to try to help batterers learn to accept responsibility for their violence, as well as understand and change their controlling and abusive behavior. The groups are led by certified batterer’s intervention counselor’s trained in dealing with domestic violence offenders. The programs work with the courts and victim services to help make sure that partners of batterer’s remain safe. The programs may involve weekly sessions of 1 to 2 hours in length. The batterer must participate in the program for a minimum of 80 hours. Group leaders feel your safety is a priority concern and will keep ongoing contact with you.

17. What happens after the arraignment?

Interviews will be held with you before the trial, to gather information and evidence for prosecution. Every effort will be made to consider your needs and safety in going forward with the case. The safety of your children will also be priority.

Prosecution may provide the means to gain batterer’s intervention services for the defendant/abuser as part of a sentence recommendation. Very few batterer’s seek or stay with these services on their own, without court orders and probation supervision. An Assistant District will speak with you about different sentences that can be imposed if the defendant /abuser is found guilty by a judge or jury or pleads guilty. The sentence asked for may include drug or alcohol counseling, required attendance at a batterer’s intervention program, supervised probation and /or jail time.

18. What happens in the arraignment?

Read about what happens during the arraignment.

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Town Collector

Show All Answers

1. When should you receive the Real Estate tax bill?

The first bill of the fiscal year is mailed on or before June 30. This mailing includes the bills due August 1 and November 1. This is a preliminary tax bill and is based on the previous year’s rate and value of your home. Abatements and exemptions are not done at this time.

The second mailing of the real estate tax bill is on or before December 30. This is the actual tax bill for the fiscal year. This mailing includes the bills due February 1 and May 1. You may file for an abatement or exemption at this time.

Please note that bills are mailed twice a year but are due quarterly.

2. Can you write one check for all your bills?

• You may combine your real estate tax, personal property and excise tax payments.
• You may combine your water, sewer and trash payments.
• Please do not combine your tax payment(s) with your water, sewer, and trash payments.

3. Why should you use the town’s online bill pay?

The town website is secure and convenient. You can make payments, at your convenience, anytime during the day or night and receive credit the day you post your payment. There is a convenience fee for this service.

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Water

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1. What are the current water rates and charges?

Water Rates Per Quarter

• Basic Charge $33.00
  • Additional $8.00 per 100 cubic feet
• Meter Program $10.00

Senior Discount

A senior discount of $10 off per quarter is issued if qualifications are met and approved.

2. What is a cross connection?

A cross-connection is a point in a plumbing system where it is possible for a nonpotable substance to come into contact with the potable drinking water supply.

Examples

Common examples of cross-connections include:

• Connections to firefighting equipment
• Garden hose submerged in a pesticide mixture
• Piped connection providing potable feed water to an industrial process, such as a cooling tower, or a submerged outlet of an irrigation system

Most cross-connections occur beyond the customer service connection, within residential, commercial, institutional or industrial plumbing systems.

Identifying Cross Connections

Identifying cross-connections can be challenging because many distribution systems are expanding to serve new customers and changing to accommodate customer needs. Further, temporary and permanent cross connections can be created in existing facilities without the knowledge of the water system managers and operators.

3. What is back-flow?

Backflow is any unwanted flow of used or nonpotable water, or other substances from any domestic, industrial, or institutional piping system back into the potable water distribution system. The direction of flow under these conditions is opposite to that of normal flow and is caused by either back-siphonage or back-pressure:

1. Back-siphonage is backflow caused by a negative pressure (vacuum or partial vacuum) in the supply piping. Backsiphonage occurs when system pressure is reduced below atmospheric pressure. The effect is similar to sipping water through a straw.
2. Back-pressure is backflow caused by pressure in the customer’s plumbing being greater than the pressure in the water supply piping. The higher pressure in the customer’s plumbing may be from a booster pump, heating boiler, etc.

Sources of Backflow

Outside water taps and garden hoses tend to be the most common sources of cross connection contamination at home. The garden hose creates a hazard when submerged in a swimming pool or when attached to a chemical sprayer for weed control. Garden hoses that are left lying on the ground may be contaminated by fertilizers, cesspools, or garden chemicals.

Preventative Measures

The Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works is continuously jeopardized by cross connections unless appropriate valves, known as backflow prevention devices, are installed and maintained. We continually survey all industrial, commercial and institutional facilities in Abington and Rockland to make sure all potential cross connections have been identified and eliminated or properly protected by a backflow prevention device. We also inspect and test each backflow preventer to make sure that it is providing maximum protection.

Resources

For additional information please see the following websites:

• Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Cross Connection Regulations
• Summary of the Safe Drinking Water Act

Contact Us

Please call this office at 781-878-0901 should you have any questions regarding cross connections and backflow.

4. How can I save water?

The following information is provided by the American Water Works Association:

• 1980s vintage toilet (1980 to 1992) uses 3.5 gallons per flush
• 50 to 75% of all residential use occurs in the bathroom
• Average dishwasher uses 17 gallons per wash
• The average faucet uses 3 to 5 gallons per minute
• Average water consumption 90,000 gallons per year or 246 gallons per day (according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency)
• A compact washing machine uses 31 gallons (per 7 pounds of wash, 4.4 gallons per pound)
• Displacement bags save 0.6 gallons per flush
• Faucet aerators reduce flow by 1 gallon per minute
• A low consumption toilet uses 1.6 gallons per flush
• Low-flow showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute or less
• A stackable washing machine uses 32 gallons (per 7 pounds of wash, 4.6 gal/lb)
• A standard (pre-1980) toilet uses 4.5 to 7.0 gallons per flush
• A standard domestic washing machine uses 45 to 55 gallons (18 pounds of wash, 2.7 gallons per pound)
• Standard showerheads use 4 to 7 gallons per minute
• Valve retrofit kits save 1.0 to 1.5 gallons per flush
• Water-efficient washing machine uses 20 gallons (1.1 gallons per pound)