MAAO Fall Conference - 2026

The Publick House, Sturbridge October 15, 2026 8:30am - Registration 9am – 12pm: Beyond the Assessor’s Office: Connecting the Municipal Finance Puzzle Presenters: Kathleen Costello, MAA – Executive Director, MAAO Barbara Barry, CMMT, CMMC – Finance Director, Town of Sturbridge Assessing is just one piece of the municipal finance picture but how do all the pieces fit together? Join us for a practical, big-picture look at the municipal finance team and the roles of Assessing, Accounting, Treasury/Collection, Administration, and more. We’ll follow the process from budget to levy to tax bills, explore how departments depend on one another, and discuss what communication and collaboration look like on a successful municipal finance team. Come see what happens beyond the Assessor’s Office and how your piece connects to the bigger picture. 1:00pm – 2:30pm: From Deeds to Delinquencies: Navigating Ownership & Tax Title Presenter: Attorney Kathleen Colleary – Watertown Board of Assessors Ownership isn’t always as simple as reading a deed! This session will explore recent Tax Title changes and their impact on Treasurer/Collectors and Assessors, along with the ownership questions Assessors regularly encounter involving trusts, wills, estates, and probate. We’ll connect the legal and practical pieces, clarify departmental responsibilities, and discuss how accurate ownership records impact the tax collection process. A practical look at who owns it, who owes it, and why getting it right matters. 2:30pm-4:00pm: ADUs in Action: Assessing Best Practices Presenter: Bill Mitchell, CAE, CMA, RMA, MAA – Chief Assessor, North Andover Accessory Dwelling Units are changing the residential landscape but what do they mean for Assessors? This practical session will explore best practices for identifying, classifying, documenting, and valuing ADUs, with a focus on creating a consistent approach within the Assessor’s Office. From attached and detached units to property record cards, inspections, permits, and valuation considerations, we’ll look at the real-world questions Assessors are encountering as ADUs become increasingly common. Practical guidance, consistent practices, and real-world solutions for assessing ADUs. Continuing Education: MAAO Continuing Education Credits: Credits