MOUNT HOLLY TOWN-WIDE REAPPRAISAL
FREQUENTYLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(1) Q. Didn’t the Town just do a reappraisal a few years ago?
A . A complete town-wide reappraisal was performed in 1999. Subsequently, all properties were re-evaluated in 2003 due to changing market conditions, utilizing updated sales data without the benefit of property inspections. In addition to meeting state requirements a reappraisal is done to insure that, at the local level we do the most fair and equitable job of sharing the local tax burden. The reappraisal process will take over two (2) years, so the new values will not take effect until April 2010.
(2) Q. What is the process? What can I expect?
A. We expect to make an inspection of each property in the town before the end of March 31, 2010. Letters have been mailed to all property owners notifying them of the reappraisal. GMA (Green Mountain Appraisals) will make appointments for interior inspections. Cooperation of residents by providing access for inspections will be essential to a smooth and accurate reappraisal.
(3) Q. What if I do not want to have my property inspected?
A. In past reappraisals the great majority of owners have allowed interior inspections in order to insure accurate data. We will respect the wishes of any taxpayer who does not want us to inspect. However it could impact your appraised value.
(4) Q. How does the Town arrive at the actual appraisal value?
A . Under state law final assessments must reflect fair market value. A comparable sales analysis will be performed using sales data from the years 2007-2010 to determine a fair market value for each property.
(5) Q. If I do not agree with the assessment what are my options?
A. The Listers will send owners a change of appraisal notice for every property in town. Following notification of appraised values in the spring of 2010, if the property owner disagrees with the resulting reappraisal value, they may grieve to the Board of Listers. If the appeal is denied by the Board of Listers, an appeal may then be brought before the Board of Civil Authority (BCA). This appeal must include an inspection of the property. If the appellant is still not in agreement with the decision of the BCA, a further appeal may be made to the State Superior Court or the State Board of Appraisal, but not both.