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Assessor reports stable staffing and near‑perfect equalization; remission fund trimmed in 2026 proposal
Summary
The City Assessor told the Finance & Personnel Committee that the 2026 'cost‑to‑continue' budget shows modest changes, highlighted a near‑100% equalization ratio across property valuations and proposed a $500,000 reduction in the remission of taxes fund in response to lower 2025 usage.
The City Assessor’s office presented the department’s 2026 proposed budget to the Common Council’s Finance & Personnel Committee on Oct. 17, describing a steady staffing picture, improved valuation accuracy and a recommendation to reduce the remission (refund) fund because 2025 usage is well below its budget.
Lede: The Assessor’s proposed 2026 budget is largely a ‘‘true cost‑to‑continue’’ budget with no new full‑time positions requested and minor changes in salaries and operating contracts. The Assessor’s office reported an overall city equalization ratio of 99.9%, meeting Department of Revenue compliance.
Nut Graf: Commissioner Nicole Larson and her leadership team briefed the committee on valuation work, an ongoing digital sketching effort to update property records, the department’s public open‑book review process, and a recommended $500,000 reduction in the Remission of Taxes Fund for 2026 because actual 2025 usage appears lower than previously…
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