New chief assessor hired to help lead city department

Jonathan Rice (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The city of Rochester announced today that it has appointed a new chief assessor.
Jonathan Rice will begin his new role on Monday and will be responsible for high-level oversight of the assessing department, including supervising the appraisal of residential, commercial, industrial and personal property on behalf of the city in order to determine its full market value. He will also be tasked with determining the taxable value of a broad range of property types throughout Rochester.
"We are eager to have Jonathan's leadership and wealth of experience in the assessing department," City Manager Daniel Fitzpatrick said. "I have no doubt that he will provide valuable guidance and further enhance the department and city as a whole."
Rice most recently worked with Avitar Associates of New England in Chichester, where he served as Assessor Supervisor since 2014. There he provided assessing services for 13 communities, overseeing more than 17,000 parcels.
"I look forward to leading Rochester and its assessing department. I am confident in the ability of our team and we look forward to serving our constituents," Rice said. "This is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of a thriving and vibrant community."
Rice graduated from Keene State College in 1999, and is a state certified residential appraiser, assessor supervisor and real estate salesperson.
Prior to his most recent role, Rice enjoyed a lengthy career as a tax consultant and real estate appraiser, a path he transitioned to after a 12-year stint managing food service and hospitality at New Hampshire International Speedway. During that time he also worked as a technology educator at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook.
In his free time, Rice serves as a youth hockey coach and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.