The York County Commissioners held a regular meeting on November 13, 2024, focusing on property assessments and valuation appeals. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the recent property assessments conducted in the town, which have sparked concerns among residents regarding the accuracy and fairness of the valuations.

One resident raised issues about the assessment of their property, which included a deck and extensive gardens. They noted discrepancies in property values among neighbors, with some experiencing significant increases while others saw decreases. The resident expressed skepticism about the assessment process, recalling a previous assessment in 2017 that they found to be unusually detailed and seemingly flawed.

The discussion shifted to the role of the assessing firm, Atlantic Evaluation Service, represented by Bob Consul. He explained that property valuations in Western Maine have risen sharply, with an average increase of about 25% over the past year, largely due to the post-COVID real estate market boom. Consul acknowledged that many residents were surprised by their increased valuations but emphasized that the assessments were necessary to reflect current market conditions.

The resident who appealed their assessment questioned the basis for the valuation, stating that they believed their property would not sell for the assessed amount of $5.84 million. They requested clarification on the assessment process and the qualifications of the assessors involved. Consul responded by stating that the burden of proof lies with the taxpayer to demonstrate that the assessment is incorrect, and he noted that the town had not updated property values since 2016.

As the meeting progressed, the commissioners reviewed the appeal and the comparables provided by the resident. Consul offered to compile the data into a spreadsheet for the commissioners' review, indicating a willingness to ensure transparency in the assessment process.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions, but no additional inquiries were raised. The commissioners acknowledged the complexities involved in property assessments and the importance of maintaining equitable valuations across the county. The next steps will involve further analysis of the provided comparables and continued discussions on how to address residents' concerns regarding property assessments.