I wanted to take a moment to clarify information regarding the Town of Clarkson’s reassessment project. My goal is to ensure that all properties are fairly assessed and at 100% of market value. Understandably, many residents don’t know the process and I want to be sure that only accurate information is being shared. I have spent the last week meeting with residents so they better understand how the process works. After going over each of their properties and explaining how the calculations were done, they leave my office with a better understanding of how the assessment process works. The rewarding news is that home sales in Clarkson are high— in fact #1 in the county— and that is why it was so important to do this reassessment.
I believe it is very important to bring properties to 100% of market value so that the tax burden is divided evenly amongst everyone. It is important to note that with increases in assessed values, the tax rates should go down, providing the taxing jurisdictions keep their tax levy the same.
Please do not get any misinformation from any outside sources, including social media. My door is always open and I invite you to come in and discuss your individual assessment and how the numbers were derived. I will be doing informal hearings up through the first week of May. Please call if you need to schedule an appointment.
Imagine if a resident paid $50,000 for their home back in the 1970s and now, in the present day, the market value of that same home could be worth $150,000. If their assessment never changed over the years they would still be paying taxes on the original $50,000 assessment. How unfair would that be for all the new residents who would be paying more to cover that person’s share?
That is what I call unfair assessing.
Liz Spencer
Assessor
Town of Clarkson
