A recent post on the “What’s Happening Hartford” Facebook page asked town members if their new property appraisals increased and by how much. As the answers came in the numbers were staggering as were many of the complaints.
The original poster (OP) stated their property assessed value increase by $10,000 which led to a slew of comments from Hartford residents who saw increases of over $200,000.
“Up $228K” said Kim Emery Dean.
“Mine has doubled” stated Sherri MacKay McMahon, who says she will be scheduling an appointment with the town to dispute the increase.
Other members of the town tried calm the nerves explaining the process. Barry McCabe wrote “Just because the assessed value of our homes have been increased by the Townwide reappraisal does not mean our new tax amount will be higher. It could but it could also stay the same or even be lower. We won’t know until the grand list is finalized and the new tax rate is set,” with a sense of optimism the broad increase might somehow mean tax bills could be lower despite nearly doubling for many home owners.
Responding to Sherry Williams, McCabe went on to explain “The letters have to be the first step. Property owners must have an opportunity to appeal their new assessment before the grand list and tax rate can be finalized.”
Sherry Williams was not persuaded. “Oh the towns people will (sic) I hope the cops are there to keep the meeting under control…because I wouldn’t be surprised a lynch mob this meeting could (turn) into…because with pick up recycling being taken away and this tax rate people are seeing red.”
Also seeing red was Debra Dubois who commented “Barry McCabe some people have been saying property taxes will be increasing by 90%…That Better NOT Be True…that is Beyond insane…”
Kristen Deprizio Pelletier lamented “Mine is showing an increase of $200k! Just scheduled my hearing.”
WdW Willis added “Increased by $230,000 more here”.
Still more “Mine went up $134k”, “Mine went up $99,700!”
Others in town trying to justify the increase attempted to explain the process in other terms. Ken Kemon wrote “Reappraisal is a required action whenever the ratio of the prices of sold properties exceeds the town’s assessments by a set amount/percentage.
Reappraisals are based on recent sales of ‘comparable’ properties and has no relation to the tax you will pay until all challenges to the reappraisals are heard. Once the hearings are completed (along with any appeals), the ‘Grand List’ is established. The town budget is divided by the grand list value to establish the new tax rate. THEN you can multiply your assessment by the rate to determine your tax bill.”
Michael Morris added “I am sure all values are up because the market has been strong. Properties are selling for crazy money because of the high demand.”
Followed by Stephanie Whitman adding “$225,000 to $445,500 absolutely ridiculous.”
So the numbers game is in mid-session and it’s any wonder how this will shake out. Wealthier residents seem to be taking it in stride reminding others this is how the town raises money for local schools and education citing 66% of the property taxes collected is earmarked for education.
Hartford recently announced major construction is needed to the high school building after learning PCB levels are considered dangerous and in need of remediation with no help coming from the state. A lawsuit against Monsanto may be the only thing available outside of increasing taxes.
In the mean time residents are waiting to schedule hearings and make their cases before the town exercises its authority to levy new rates which look to measure out to historic increases and potentially historic changes to the town landscape.
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