City assessor dismissed over hiring issue

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Tax Assessor Christopher Celeste, who played a key role in addressing a high volume of contested property assessments and in implementing a citywide full revaluation, has resigned under duress.

According to reports, Celeste was dismissed after seeking to fill the position of deputy director with a candidate who failed to have the degree qualifications as directed by the administration.

In a statement responding to questions, Mayor Scott Avedisian said, “Mr. Celeste submitted his resignation a few days before Christmas. I thank him for his service and wish him well in the future.”

The deputy assessor’s job became vacant about a month ago and was posted. The job has a salary range of $64,279 to $78,677. The job was reposted with the educational requirements – a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a concentration in accounting and finance – according to City Personnel Director Jeanne Bouchard. She said that there have been several applicants for the job and that the posting came down Wednesday.

The assessor’s job, with a salary range of $92,882 to $109,273, was advertised last week and will remain posted until Jan. 10.

“When I heard he had been fired I was shocked,” said Ward 5 Councilman Ed Ladouceur.

Ladouceur said his initial reaction to the assessor was not positive, but as he worked with him, “I grew to have a pretty good respect for Chris Celeste.” Ladouceur said Celeste cleaned up problems that other people had allowed to happen.

Specifically, Ladouceur said Celeste was instrumental in cracking down on those who failed to pay their sewer and water bills before they reached a point where their property went to a tax sale. Ladouceur pushed for a system of delinquency notices and water shutoffs to help people from reaching a point where they couldn’t pay and faced potentially even greater hardship with the loss of their property.

Ladouceur said he heard that Celeste was pushing to hire a specific candidate and that there were questions over if they meet the qualifications. He said he felt the administration could have been “more compassionate” and delayed action until after Christmas.