Residents will be able to attend two open house forums regarding the latest reassessment program. The first forum was on Sept. 27 at the Upper Elementary School and the second is on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the Lenola Fire House. Both forums are from 7 to 9 p.m.
Township assessor Dennis DeKlerk said it is important for residents to realize there are state regulations the town needs to follow. Assessors cannot redo the whole town. Before any assessment is finalized, the township needs the state’s approval.
“The state regulates how the process is done,” DeKlerk said.
In 2007, a town wide reevaluation was done for the first time in 20 years.
According to DeKlerk, the assessments that were set in 2007 were at the peek of the housing market. With the market down, the assessments are set higher than the current market value on residential and commercial properties.
This time around, a proposal for a reassessment will cost the town approximately $1,100. The cost for the 2007 reevaluation was $6,000. DeKlerck said the town would save approximately $5,000 by choosing a reassessment over a reevaluation.
Assessors will use existing data, go out in the field and look for any changes. If any changes are found, it will be added to the property record and the updated data will then be evaluated for a precise recalculation.
It is easier than constructing data from the ground up, DeKlerk said.
DeKlerk explained when the residents file a tax appeal, they have a good case in having their assessment lowered, and the township does not collect money on the loss. He added those losses cause the township to cut into the reserve for uncollected taxes.
“The market depreciation has left us defenseless . . . you need some kind of remedy to do something to stop the bleeding,” DeKlerk said.
Inspectors will roam around town, keeping an eye out for any changes to properties. If residents are home when the assessors are evaluating properties, DeKlerk strongly recommends a full interior inspection. Residents must be home and request the assessor to perform the interior inspection.
“Every now and then there is a property that might not have gotten permits for certain work,” said DeKlerk. “[We] want to make sure it’s captured.”
