CONCORD, N.H.(AP) – The Board of Tax and Land Appeals has ordered the town of Orford to use new property assessments despite town officials’ objections to a so-called view tax.

Orford selectmen wanted to stick with 1997 property values because under the new assessments, some homes shot up in value because they had beautiful views.

Selectmen argued at a hearing last month that there needs to be a better definition of how views affect property values. They wanted to delay the implementation of 2005 property assessments until the Legislature and the state Assessing Standards Board review the issue and set some standards.

Among other things, selectmen argued the 2005 assessments opened the town to lawsuits, since local property taxes are based on a home’s value.

The Board of Tax and Land Appeals rejected that argument. Board members say it would be more unfair to tax based on outdated property assessments.

“To allow the continued use of the 1997 assessments would perpetuate disproportionate assessments within the Town,” the ruling reads, adding that county and state education taxes also would be affected.

The board did rule that Avitar, which did the assessments, did an incomplete job of explaining its reasoning in setting values.

The ruling requires Avitar to present additional information on how it valued a variety of factors affecting home and land prices.