Photo: The new line-up, (from left) Charles R. Laverty, Robert P. Reardon, Patrick Murphy with Dan Dargon, the Assessing Administrator

The Belmont Board of Assessors has a complete line-up as life-long Belmont resident Patrick Murphy was appointed by the Belmont Select Board to take the seat formerly held by Charles Clark who resigned early in November.

Born and raised in Belmont, Murphy is a Lexington-based residential real estate attorney for the past 20 years with extensive negotiation skills which he believes will be helpful when drawing up contracts as the town prepares to take on several real estate projects.

“I also represent buyers and sellers on a daily basis in town so I see what values are at … which will also help me when we assist people seeking an exemption,” said Murphy.

“He’s what we’re looking for and that is someone with a real estate background,” said longtime chair Robert Reardon. “He knows the town very well, all the nooks and crannies and we are fortunate to have him as a temporary appointment to the board.”

Murphy said he will throw his hat into the ring and seek to win election in April to serve a full three year term on the board.

Composed of three members, the Board of Assessors is responsible for the administration of a wide range of state laws pertaining to “ad valorem” taxation, maintains and updates the information pertaining to all residential, commercial/industrial and personal property, while also administer the Massachusetts state motor vehicle excise tax.

The board will also recommend to the Select Board the residential and commercial tax rate at the annual classification hearing in December.