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Wilmont board keeps disputed property assessments unchanged pending county inspections
Summary
At an April 28 Local Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting, Wilmont council members voted unanimously to record no change to several disputed residential assessments and asked the County to perform interior inspections and re-evaluate values to meet the state's 90–105% sales-ratio standard.
WILMONT — The City of Wilmont Local Board of Appeal & Equalization voted April 28 to keep several disputed property assessments unchanged while the County completes interior inspections and re-evaluation.
County assessor Val Reusch told the board that recent appraisal activity showed a residential sales trend of about +8% and that six city sales during the review period made Wilmont a standalone market area. "We were sitting at 74.51%," Reusch said, citing the city's current sales ratio compared with the state target of 90–105 percent, and added that the city would need roughly a 16% upward adjustment to reach compliance. He also noted land valuations rose roughly 15–20 percent and that county changes to building valuations contributed to the overall increase.
Mayor Josh Balter, Councilmember Tom Slater and Councilmember Isaac Joens were present along with County staff and several residents. Homeowner John Jueneman questioned why his assessed value increased sharply; meeting minutes record that Jueneman said he wanted to dispute the assessment but that the board clarified this meeting only addresses assessed value, not tax bills.
Residents Adam Vaske and Anna Hinds also asked about the jump in values. Clerk Amber Bertrand and county staff explained that the County's reconsideration process requires allowing an interior inspection. Hinds declined the inspection and, with Vaske, declined the county's interior-inspection option; the minutes state that by declining, they forfeited that route to contest the assessment.
Dave and Judy Christians submitted an email asking for reconsideration of assessed values on two rental homes they own in Wilmont, contending the assessments were high relative to the properties' condition. The Christians were not present; their email was presented by Clerk Bertrand.
After discussion, Councilmember Tom Slater moved — and Councilmember Isaac Joens seconded — a motion to record "no change" on the disputed assessments to give the County time to perform interior inspections and, if needed, re-evaluate values at the County LBAE meeting. The motion carried with all members voting in favor. A subsequent motion to adjourn was also approved unanimously.
The board's action leaves the current assessed values unchanged for now; any adjustments resulting from County inspections and re-evaluation would be handled at the County level and brought back to the appropriate appeals forum if revised.
