Each local assessment officer, while engaged in making a reassessment, shall have custody and possession of the assessment books containing the original assessment and all property and other statements and memoranda relating thereto. The person previously having custody shall deliver the assessment books and other property to the local assessment officer on demand. He or she shall, in making the reassessment, have all the power and authority given by law to local assessment officers and shall be subject to all the restrictions, liabilities and penalties imposed by law upon local assessment officers.