How Jericho’s mass‑appraisal changed individual assessments: methods staff used

Appraisers gave the BCA a technical briefing on how the town‑wide reappraisal was calculated and what homeowners can challenge in an appeal.

Senior appraiser Ed Claude Filter explained the team's approach: "We do what's called the market adjusted cost approach," and said the field work and statistical testing are meant to produce a single defensible value for each parcel. He described use of Marshall & Swift replacement tables, land schedules and market adjustment factors to convert base costs to market‑level numbers.

Filter walked the board through sample property worksheets, showing how building replacement‑cost tables, depreciation for age and condition, land per‑acre schedules, and site improvements are combined. He gave a sample calculation and the market adjustment factor used for Jericho: "So on this the town of for Jericho is 1.65," he said, explaining the factor raises base replacement costs to reflect local market levels.

The presentation emphasized limitations homeowners may encounter in grievance hearings: appraisers rely on observable condition and sales comparables and do not retroactively alter past assessments. Filter noted the appraisal date is a snapshot — assessments are "as of April 1" — and that interior access is not guaranteed; inspectors use the best available data when owners do not permit entry.