Assessor: sales activity and fewer big retailers are driving higher local property taxes

In the seminar, Cassandra Elston attributed rising property taxes in the area to market pressures and commercial composition. "The taxes are pretty high here because we do not have those major stores," she said, adding that smaller local retailers and the loss of business have increased the local tax burden. She described how renovation and flipping activity—the purchase of low-cost properties followed by substantial improvements and resale—push comparable sale prices up and thereby increase assessed values.

Elston advised homeowners that even if they have not added square footage, nearby sales and higher sale prices can raise assessed value; she recommended that homeowners who are concerned about increased values check the assessor's notice and consider filing an appeal. The host punctuated the point by noting local goals to occupy vacancies to broaden the tax base.