City Assessor Heisler explains property tax evaluations and response plans for residents

The Fond du Lac City Council convened on April 23, 2025, at 6 PM to address several key issues, primarily focusing on property assessments and community engagement regarding the recent revaluation process.

The meeting began with a discussion led by the city assessor, who clarified the implications of the new property assessments for homeowners. He explained that if a homeowner's property value increased by 67%, which is the average for residential properties, their taxes would remain unchanged. However, if the increase was less than this average, homeowners could expect to pay lower taxes. This information aimed to alleviate concerns among residents regarding potential tax hikes due to rising property values.

Council members expressed awareness of the anticipated influx of inquiries from residents about their assessments. They discussed strategies for managing communication effectively, emphasizing the importance of timely responses to residents' concerns. The assessor assured the council that his office would be prepared to handle the expected volume of calls and emails, and he committed to adding staff if necessary to ensure that residents felt heard and informed.

The council also reviewed the process for forwarding resident inquiries to the assessor's office. Members were encouraged to direct constituents to the assessor's team for detailed explanations, as they are better equipped to address specific assessment questions. The assessor's office provided resources on the city’s website, allowing residents to access their property information easily.

In closing, the council acknowledged the potential for a significant number of residents to reach out for clarification, estimating that even a small percentage of the 15,000 properties could result in over 700 inquiries. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Overall, the council's discussions highlighted their proactive approach to community engagement and transparency regarding property assessments, aiming to ensure that residents are well-informed during this transition.