City assessor says interim market update will raise assessments; open book set for July 14

Dana Ramin, the city assessor from Accurate Appraisal, told the River Falls Common Council on June 24 that the firm is conducting an interim market update and that field work is under way.

Ramin said the municipality's assessment ratio currently stands at about 79 percent and that the update is intended to keep assessed values in line with market conditions; "If this continues for 5 consecutive years, the state may mandate a full reassessment," she said. She told listeners that notices to property owners will be mailed at the end of the week and that "Open book starts July 14. We do have 2 days planned." The board of review was scheduled for Sept. 10.

Ramin outlined how assessment increases do not automatically equal higher taxes, noting that the mill rate is expected to adjust. She gave the council an example calculation based on a modeled 38 percent increase in assessed value and said the city portion of taxes is shown separately from school and county components. When a council member interrupted to note jurisdictional limits, Ramin agreed: "This is the city portion only. This is not related to... other taxing authorities."

Ramin described the open book process as the informal opportunity to discuss individual parcel data with assessors; the assessor's office will provide a sales analysis sheet online and the office will make the roll book available for public review. She urged residents to speak with an assessor before filing a board of review objection, and she reiterated the board of review's evidentiary standard: "The burden of proof is solely on the taxpayer. The assessor's value is presumed correct by state law until proven otherwise."

No council action was required at the meeting; staff and Accurate Appraisal provided dates and contact information for residents who want to review assessments or book an open‑book appointment.