City board revises property assessment rules to clarify owner objections process

The City of Kenosha's Board of Review convened on June 4, 2025, to discuss significant updates to property assessment regulations and procedural rules. The meeting primarily focused on clarifying the rights of property owners and the responsibilities of the city assessor's office.

One of the key topics addressed was the current legal framework regarding property access for assessments. As it stands, property owners can deny city assessors access to their property, both interior and exterior. However, if a property owner refuses a reasonable request for an exterior view, they forfeit their right to contest the assessment before the Board of Review. This stipulation aims to ensure that property assessments are conducted fairly and accurately, as the law currently mandates that no one can contest an assessment without allowing the assessor to view the property.

The Board also discussed the handling of potential conflicts of interest among its members. New language was introduced to empower remaining board members to determine the level of participation for any conflicted member, ensuring that decisions are made transparently and fairly.

Another significant amendment involved the dismissal of objections without a hearing if the objector fails to appear. This change is intended to streamline the process and prevent unnecessary legal complications, as seen in a previous case where a hearing was held despite the absence of the objector, leading to an appeal that could have been avoided.

The burden of proof in assessment disputes was also a focal point. The Board emphasized that property owners must provide substantial evidence to challenge an assessor's valuation, rather than relying on general criticisms or unverified data. The importance of presenting expert appraisals during hearings was highlighted, as these provide the necessary credibility and detail to support claims against the assessor's evaluations.

Lastly, the Board discussed the introduction of subpoenas to compel testimony from relevant parties during hearings, enhancing the thoroughness of the review process.

These updates reflect the Board's commitment to ensuring a fair and efficient property assessment process in Kenosha, while also adapting to potential changes in state law in the future. The Board plans to implement these changes promptly, reinforcing the importance of accurate property evaluations in the community.