Delaware County Tax Reassessment
More than 100 county residents attended the February 18 meeting in the County Council room at the Delaware County Government Center. Photo: Leslie Krowchenko
Approximately 100 Delaware County residents crowded into the County Council room at the Delaware County Government Center on February 18 to attend the first in a series of presentations regarding the county-wide tax reassessment.
Paul Miller, of Tyler Technologies, presented a summary of the company’s work, the reassessment timeline, and the process for appealing new county-wide assessments. Photo: Leslie Krowchenko
The overview was provided by Paul Miller of Tyler Technologies, the firm contracted to undertake the reassessments. His presentation described the company’s work, as well as the timeline and process for appealing new assessed values. It was followed by more than 45 minutes of questions and answers.
“What’s really important is that everyone is starting from a common base of facts,” said County Council member Christine Reuther in her introduction. “We are looking at all the properties in the county and are trying to get as close as possible to the fair market value of each one so that the tax burden is shared fairly.”
The reassessment is the result of a 2017 court order by Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge Charles B. Burr. New properties have been constructed, and others improved, since the last assessment in 1998. This has resulted in disparities in real estate values, affecting the taxes paid by individual property owners.
The process aims to assess every residential property based on its fair market value as of July 1, 2019, with the new assessment taking effect January 1, 2021. (Commercial properties will be reassessed using a different system.) Tyler is being paid $6 million for their work.
The new assessments will be used to calculate county, municipal, and school district taxes. These entities are, however, explicitly prohibited by law from using the reassessment to raise new revenues. The overall amount of tax dollars collected will not change after the reassessments.
“Your county taxes may go down, but your school district and municipal taxes could go up,” said Reuther. “About one-third will go up, one-third will go down, and one-third will remain the same.”
The reassessments are based on such factors as a home’s location, age, condition, and improvements. Digital photos, aerial imaging, and in-person visits were used to calculate improvements, then followed up by mailings asking owners to verify the information. Tyler also analyzed sales of similar properties over the past 24-30 months.
“Our goal is to get the most accurate information and predict property values as correctly as we can,” said Miller. “We really want you to ask yourself one question: ‘Would I — could I be able to — sell my house for that number?’”
Informal notices of the newly assessed property values, which are tentative pending owner review, are currently being sent to all Delaware County residents. Miller stressed the need for owners to review the documents for accuracy. Property owners who feel the assessment is accurate need not take any action. Those who believe it does not represent a fair market value are encouraged to schedule a meeting with Tyler (see sidebar for details).
Once the informal reviews are completed, Tyler will submit the updated property values to County Council, which will vote in June on accepting them, and will notify property owners of their new assessments in July. Anyone who continues to disagree with a new assessment after informal review may request a formal appeal, to be heard by the county’s Tax Assessment Appeals Board. There is no cost to homeowners for either informal meetings with Tyler or formal appeals.
“If you think the number is too high, call us and set up an appointment,” Miller added. “Our goal is to get your assessment right and equitable for your neighborhood.”
Delaware County residents who disagree with their reassessed property values may schedule an informal review with Tyler Technologies within 10 days of receiving the notice. The meetings will occur between March 2 and May 15. Contact information will be included with the reassessment notice.
Residents scheduling a review should research their neighborhoods and bring relevant data with them. This could include quotes from realtors about comparable homes in the area, photos/videos of the house, or information from Zillow.com.
Property owners who are dissatisfied with the results of the informal review, or who do not schedule one, may appeal to the county Tax Assessment Appeals Board. To schedule an informal review, visit tylertech.com/delco or call 1-888-773-7056.
