Fairfield County Tax Assessor outlines 2025 property reassessment process

The Fairfield County Council meeting held on February 24, 2025, featured a detailed presentation by Gary Hensley, the Fairfield County Tax Assessor, regarding the upcoming property reassessment process mandated by state law. Hensley explained that reassessments occur every five years, and the current cycle is set for 2025.

Hensley outlined the steps involved in the reassessment, which includes updating cost tables and land values based on sales data from the previous five years, with a focus on the most recent three years. He noted that the county is currently measuring new construction and will be actively working in the community to gather necessary data.

Once the data collection is complete, Hensley indicated that the team would analyze the information to identify any outliers and correct errors before submitting the findings to the state for certification. This process typically takes about a week. Following state certification, reassessment notices will be sent to property owners, initiating a 90-day appeal period for those who disagree with their new property values.

Hensley highlighted that the previous reassessment in 2020 occurred during a period of low sales, whereas the current market is showing strong sales activity, suggesting that property values are likely to increase. However, he reassured residents that a 15% cap on property value increases is in place, which protects taxpayers from significant tax hikes. For example, if a property was valued at $100,000 in 2024 and is assessed at $250,000 in 2025, the taxable value would only increase to $115,000 if the owner qualifies for the cap.

The Tax Assessor aims to complete the reassessment process by June 2025, with notices sent out shortly thereafter. Hensley concluded by inviting questions from the council members, emphasizing the importance of transparency and the right to appeal for all taxpayers.