Most towns in New York have a deadline of May 1 to publish tentative assessed values for each property. Those values are used to determine the amount of property taxes due. On the fourth Tuesday in May each year, taxpayers can come to town hall to argue their way out of a higher assessment. It’s called “Grievance Day.”
The new executive order allows each town to decide whether to delay assessments and Grievance Day.
It also allows towns to hold Grievance Day hearings remotely – online or by phone, depending on the available technology.
Warren Wheeler, executive director of the New York State Assessors’ Association, said the order allows assessors to be considered essential workers at a busy time. If taxpayers have a question, they should call their town offices.
Wheeler said he has also heard of some municipalities that were putting planned revaluations on hold during the coronaviruspandemic. Those towns are likely to make adjustments for new construction or demolition, but wait to make changes based on changes in market value, he said.
In Central New York, the Liverpool mayor and village board have asked the town of Salina to delay a reassessment of part of the town for a year.
Posted by MSN
