Committee discusses revaluation options, hybrid contracting and a December workshop on assessing
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Summary
Councilors and staff discussed complaints about valuation increases, options to ensure equity (statistical adjustment vs. full revaluation), and possible hybrid contracting for new assessments. Staff proposed a December workshop to review options and timing ahead of commitment deadlines.
Councilors and city staff spent substantial time discussing assessing practices after residents complained about sharp valuation changes that many called unfair.
Staff reviewed options including a full revaluation, a statistical adjustment to even out year‑to‑year changes, and a hybrid or contracted model that would outsource certain assessments (for example, all new property assessments in a given year) to provide an independent starting valuation. "One option is outsourcing new assessments for the first evaluation so everyone starts out with an independent valuation," a councilor said during the meeting.
Staff cited guidance that a city the municipality's size typically needs roughly 3.5 full‑time equivalent assessors and said historic under‑resourcing and delayed permit updates have contributed to the current situation. "Some of the bigger triggers to revaluation are so many new properties or legacy permits that aren't kept up in the card file," Speaker 1 said.
Staff pledged to meet in the field with affected taxpayers to review parcel valuations and to run abatement processes where warranted. Committee members asked staff to include the topic on the December workshop or hold a separate public session (possibly via Zoom) so the new councilors can see processes and timelines.
Why it matters: property valuations determine tax liabilities and the backlash over large single‑year increases has fueled public concern about equity and transparency.
Next steps: staff will present options and legal guidance at the December workshop, meet with taxpayers who have requested reviews, and explore contracting or hybrid models for assessing.