Anybody know how an a shed 12 X 16 we built last year on vacant land that cost $6,000 to construct could now be assessed as a $20,000 improvement? The building has no power, the land had no water until a well was drilled a month ago, and the whole parcel is still considered non-homestead. How does the property value increase by $20,000?
Call around to other assessor's ofices. They helped me with the "Surprise" formula. The "Curse of Mertz" is still alive and well in the bowels of Town Hall.
First you grieve it.....then it's time for an Article 78!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
We grieved at the Town level and were denied a reduction. The next step was Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR)...this is a petition that is filed with the Town Clerk, Assessor, School District, County Finance, County Clerk. It's basically the same information used for Grievance Day. A Hearing Officer was appointed by the County to review our petition as well as information submitted by the Assessor. An actual hearing was held and we attended along with the Assessor. During the Hearing, the Hearing Office made a determination to grant the reduction.
It seems like a lot of paperwork but well worth the time. Only $30 to file a SCAR and most people are granted some reduction. I know three people who were denied at Grievance Day last year, pursued SCAR and got their reduction.
The city/towns make it as hard as they can on property owners to get a lower assessment because they need the money to pay bills. Many property owners won't take the time or effort to file a SCAR but if they did most would have their assessments lowered. A friend I know in the city got his assessment lowered from $106,000 to $82,000 by going through small claims court and the assessor was not a happy camper when the judge read his findings.
I printed the grievance form and will do my homework and show up on May 25 for the firedrill. I also called Frank and will send him a letter contesting my assessment. If we are ever to do anything about the unfairness in assessments, we have to build a case against the assessor. If you have a grievance, also send a letter to Frank. He was assessed for an ice shanty!
The city/towns make it as hard as they can on property owners to get a lower assessment because they need the money to pay bills. Many property owners won't take the time or effort to file a SCAR but if they did most would have their assessments lowered. A friend I know in the city got his assessment lowered from $106,000 to $82,000 by going through small claims court and the assessor was not a happy camper when the judge read his findings.
Anybody know how an a shed 12 X 16 we built last year on vacant land that cost $6,000 to construct could now be assessed as a $20,000 improvement? The building has no power, the land had no water until a well was drilled a month ago, and the whole parcel is still considered non-homestead. How does the property value increase by $20,000?
I could really use some help on this one.
I was told during last year's grievance period that all uninhabitable area is not assessed. This includes decks, thrtee season rooms (unheated), sheds, spare garages, etc. There are numerous "major improvements" for homes on Shardon Court whose values are not shown in their assessments. The following link may be useful to you: http://www.orps.state.ny.us/
To the left of the page is information for assessors. There is an assessor's manual you can access which is used to provide guidance to assessors. You may find that this type of structure should not be assessed. Make sure you grieve your assessment and you use the criteria established, and if you do not get a reduction at the BAR (Board of Assessment Review), continue your quest by filing a petition to the Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR). Don't give up and . . . . Good Luck!
You are better off buying a snowmobile trailer and stashing your things inside that, screw the assessor.
"While Foreign Terrorists were plotting to murder and maim using homemade bombs in Boston, Democrap officials in Washington DC, Albany and here were busy watching ME and other law abiding American Citizens who are gun owners and taxpayers, in an effort to blame the nation's lack of security on US so that they could have a political scapegoat."
I was told during last year's grievance period that all uninhabitable area is not assessed. This includes decks, thrtee season rooms (unheated), sheds, spare garages, etc. There are numerous "major improvements" for homes on Shardon Court whose values are not shown in their assessments. The following link may be useful to you: http://www.orps.state.ny.us/
To the left of the page is information for assessors. There is an assessor's manual you can access which is used to provide guidance to assessors. You may find that this type of structure should not be assessed. Make sure you grieve your assessment and you use the criteria established, and if you do not get a reduction at the BAR (Board of Assessment Review), continue your quest by filing a petition to the Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR). Don't give up and . . . . Good Luck!
My aunt has a three season room which 'was' included in her total square footage that determined her assessment.
We were told that if we constructed a deck (no roof or walls), that would be 'attached', or bolted to the house, it would be considered as part of the assessment.
My cousin who lives in the highbridge area uses their garage in the summer as a room with a garage door screen. Their assessment went up. It was no longer assessed as a garage. They grieved it 5 years ago and lost. But I don't know what process they used or how far they went with this.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
My aunt has a three season room which 'was' included in her total square footage that determined her assessment.
We were told that if we constructed a deck (no roof or walls), that would be 'attached', or bolted to the house, it would be considered as part of the assessment.
My cousin who lives in the highbridge area uses their garage in the summer as a room with a garage door screen. Their assessment went up. It was no longer assessed as a garage. They grieved it 5 years ago and lost. But I don't know what process they used or how far they went with this.
I've had conversations regarding this with the Assessor and even with GAR during the reval. If the room is heated, it would be considered living space. If the three season room is NOT heated, it would not be included in the square footage. If it is included, that is wrong and the property owner needs to grieve.
As I mentioned earlier, we grieved last year and know of at least 6 other residents who also grieved. ALL of us were denied by the Town and I think that it was an across-the-board decision by the Town that they would deny the requests and force the taxpayers to go the SCAR route. Only the residents who pursued the SCAR process had an opportunity to reduce their assessments. So again, it takes perseverance on the homeowner's part. DON'T GIVE UP /DON'T GIVE INTO THE TOWN!
My aunt has a three season room which 'was' included in her total square footage that determined her assessment.
We were told that if we constructed a deck (no roof or walls), that would be 'attached', or bolted to the house, it would be considered as part of the assessment.
My cousin who lives in the highbridge area uses their garage in the summer as a room with a garage door screen. Their assessment went up. It was no longer assessed as a garage. They grieved it 5 years ago and lost. But I don't know what process they used or how far they went with this.
First let me say that they (assessors) can tell you anything they want to tell you. They have no incentive to lower your assessed value, and there is no penalty to them or the Town if you win your grievance at a higher level. So why not just give people mumbo jumbo and most will not pursue it. Cannot emphasize enough that you need to be prepared to go to Small Claims Court (you file yourself, it's no big deal). The BAR is merely the first step. I can give you lots of examples of 3 season rooms NOT included in the assessed value in Rotterdam. As far as sheds go, they are listed as an improvement to the property, however I was told no additional value to the assessment.
Logged
It'll get worse. Wait they ship "sole" assessor Mastro over from the City. You ain't seen nuthin yet.
