Assessor
ASSESSMENT REVIEW AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
ASSESSMENT REVIEW AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
REVIEW ASSESSMENT RECORDS FOR YOUR PROPERTY - The first step in reviewing your assessment is to review the data we have on record for your property. The information on the property record card is used to arrive at a value for your property. If this information is incorrect, it may have an effect on your value. You should bring any errors or questions to the attention of the assessor.
NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSIS - The next step in the review process would be to compare your assessment to your neighbors. You can review the assessment roll to determine the assessment of other properties in your area. When comparing assessments you should take into consideration differences between the houses. These differences would include size of the homes, acreage, house style, and general overall condition.
REVIEW OF RECENT SALES - In order to determine whether your property is fairly assessed, you should have an idea as to the value of the property. The assessor's office has records of all sales of properties available in the office. You should find sales of homes that are similar to yours and compare the sales prices to the value of your property.
TALK TO THE ASSESSOR - If you have any questions about your assessment or the information we have on record for your property you should talk to the assessor. The assessor will also be able to tell you what factors went into determining your value.
FILE A GRIEVANCE APPLICATION - If after reviewing all the above information, you feel that the assessment that the assessor determined is unfair, you may file a Grievance Application with the Assessor's Office. You may get the application from the assessor after May 1st. The completed form must be returned to the assessor's office by the First Wednesday after the Fourth Tuesday in May. A Board of Assessment Review, appointed by the Town Board, will be present to accept applications and hear complaints on this date. The Board will review your application whether you appear in person or not.
FILE A SMALL CLAIMS PETITION - If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Board, you may file a Small Claims Petition with the County Clerk. The petition must be filed by August 1 with the clerk along with a $25 filing fee. You may only file a Small Claims Petition on residential properties. If you own income producing property you must file an Article 7 Petition. You should contact an attorney to find out the procedures for filing this petition.