Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Reevaluation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews $6 million emergency appropriation for citywide property revaluation; administration outlines inspection and appeals process
Summary
An ordinance to provide a $6 million special emergency appropriation for a complete real-property program reevaluation was presented; administration staff explained how inspectors will conduct initial visits, notify homeowners and the appeals options available during the multi-year revaluation process.
An ordinance providing a $6 million special emergency appropriation for a complete program reevaluation of real property was on the Feb. 19 pre-meeting agenda.
Benjamin Guzman, acting director of the Department of Finance, described related items later in the meeting as an application to the Local Finance Board for approval of a bond ordinance to fund rehabilitation of PATH Home units. Separately, Business Administrator Eric Pennington and other staff explained the on-the-ground process for the property reevaluation to reassure residents about inspection practice and appeal rights.
Pennington said ASI, the inspection company, will attempt to gain access to properties without appointments; if an inspector cannot get inside, they will perform a walk-around to confirm lot size and approximate square footage and will leave a card with homeowners offering options to schedule a follow-up in-person or a virtual inspection (FaceTime). He emphasized multiple opportunities for homeowners to challenge initial findings: an in-person follow-up with ASI, additional review by the tax assessor and, ultimately, an appeal to county tax authorities and tax court procedures if disagreements persist. Pennington said the process will continue through about 2027 when the collected information will be incorporated into reassessed values.
Council members asked that inspectors, when unable to access a home, follow up before sending an assessment letter to avoid homeowner confusion. Pennington said inspectors will leave contact cards and residents can schedule evening or weekend appointments if required.
Ending: The council heard the funding request and accepted staff's explanation of the inspection and appeal process, with staff committing to provide clearer homeowner guidance and follow-up opportunities during the revaluation campaign.
