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Board lowers assessment for 1371 Harris Drive to $355,000 after owner appraisal
Summary
The Waukesha Board of Review reduced the assessed value of 1371 Harris Drive from the assessor's roll after the owner supplied a recent appraisal; the new total assessment is $355,000 (land $46,600; improvements $308,400).
The Waukesha City Board of Review concluded that the property owner of 1371 Harris Drive presented sufficient evidence to rebut the presumptive correctness of the assessor's valuation and set a new assessed value of $355,000.
Owner Christopher L. Shaffer submitted a recent licensed appraisal and testified to deferred maintenance (foundation leaks, attic mold, flooding in the basement), lack of central air and an older oil heating system. The appraiser's report delivered a reconciliation of six comparables and concluded a market value of $355,000. The city assessor reviewed the appraisal during the hearing.
After discussion the board voted to accept the appraisal-based value. The board recorded the new assessment as land $46,600 and improvements $308,400 for a total of $355,000. Roll-call: Leonard Miller, Eric Dunstier and Christine D'Angelo voted in favor; board member Sarah Wilkie recused herself from this vote because she disclosed a professional connection to the appraiser and therefore abstained.
The board's order reduces the 2025 assessment for the parcel; Mr. Shaffer was advised of appeal rights to circuit court. The assessor's office will adjust the assessment records to reflect the board's decision and issue the written determination to the property owner.
Board reasoning: members said the licensed appraisal and owner testimony supplied the specific, contemporaneous market evidence and condition documentation required under Wis. Stat. 70.47 to overcome the assessor's presumption of correctness.
Next steps: the Assessor's Office will update the tax roll and send the decision notice with instructions about circuit court appeals if the owner elects to pursue them.
