Montgomery County commissioners greenlight desktop imagery (option 4) to begin 2028 revaluation

Montgomery County commissioners voted on Nov. 18 to accept 'option 4' — a desktop imagery approach — as the initial method for the county's property revaluation required by 2028.

Staff explained the state requires a revaluation at least every eight years and presented multiple options. Desktop imagery (option 4) was described as less accurate than a full in‑person measure but substantially more accurate than a desk-only review; staff said the product provides usable imagery that can be integrated into the county GIS and shared with municipalities and emergency services. The imagery program would collect an initial set of images and provide an additional set in a few years (the discussion referenced a second gathering scheduled for 2029 under current plans).

Commissioners raised concerns about accuracy and the need to notify property owners if staff must make site visits as part of appeals; staff said such visits would be exceptions, publicly advertised in advance and coordinated with property owners. Commissioners also discussed the scheduling constraints of imagery collection (timing when leaves are off trees) and cost structure; staff said vendors often offer subscription or staged payment options.

Commissioner (speaker 4) moved to accept option 4 and to later consider a full measure and inventory; Commissioner (speaker 8) seconded the motion and the board voted 'Aye.' Staff said proceeding with the desktop imagery could help the county meet revaluation deadlines while reducing fieldwork time compared with a full measure.

Next steps: staff will initiate procurement and schedule imagery capture in coordination with vendor availability and seasonal constraints.