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Rutland listers explain appraisal process to new residents from Windridge Drive
Summary
Stewart and Miffa Friedman asked how assessed values are determined; listers explained the town’s public lister cards, the grand list online, and that the computerized valuation uses exterior square footage, bedrooms/baths and construction‑cost factors (2013 cost numbers) to compute values.
Stewart and Miffa Friedman attended a grievance hearing July 23 to learn how Rutland Town determines assessed value. The couple said they had recently moved from New York and found it difficult to compare local sales and assessments online. Listers explained that the town posts lister cards and the grand list on the town website and encouraged the Friedmans to bring comparable sales evidence (printouts from sites such as Zillow or Realtor.com) when filing a formal grievance.
Assessors described the town’s valuation method: exterior square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and basement finish are entered into a standardized cost program that uses construction‑cost factors (listers said the model uses cost inputs from earlier appraisals — the presenter referenced 2013 construction cost numbers). Listers also noted that purchase price alone is not the only determinative factor for assessed value and that physical inspections and comparable sales should be brought by taxpayers contesting an assessment.
The Friedmans were given instructions on how to access the grand list and lister cards online, and listers offered to print relevant cards and to help with comparables for a future appeal.
