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By M. Lisa Monroe
Express News Staff
On Tuesday, May 27, Town of Webb property owners who believe that their properties have been assessed incorrectly can dispute their assessments. Grieved assessments are heard by three local residents who make up the Board of Assessment Review: Kathy Riehle, Jon Bailey, and George Hiltebrant. Appointed Tax Assessor Jim Fresco also attends the meetings, which will take place from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m at the Park Ave. Building.
“Only grieve your assessment if the value of your property is out of line with similar properties,” said Riehle.
Riehle also said that the grievance process is not in place to address inaccurate property features. If the assessment says that a home has a finished basement and it does not, sorting out that type of problem should be done with the assessor. The grievance process is only to correct property value when it is not comparable to other property like it.
“Someone on First Lake wouldn’t compare their house to property in Old Forge. They would have to find a similar house on First Lake,” said Riehle.
It is also important to bring in documentation showing why you think your property is over-assessed.
“You should bring proof of what you think your assessed value should be. You need to have a figure in mind and documents showing how you came up with that figure. It could be an appraisal, or comparisons with another property. Everyone gets 10 minutes, then the board meets later, and we make our decision,” said Riehle.
Property owners must fill out paperwork and turn it in to the assessor by the morning of May 27.
“We would really like to have the paperwork in by May 19, so that we can make appointments and let you know what time you should be at the grievance,” said Fresco.
You do not have to grieve your assessment in person; the process can also be done by mail. Fresco says that four people have turned in their paperwork so far, which is about typical since it is so early in the process. Usually about 25 people will dispute their assessments, he said. J