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RFH 2010, Cover Stories, Town of Hamilton

Controversial Revaluation Meeting Thursday @ Courthouse

Sun, Apr 10, 2011

Town residents will have an opportunity to address the board about the recent revaluation of town properties which has raised taxes and blood pressures.

The Town of Hamilton Board will meet Thursday at 6 p.m. in the village/town courthouse on Montgomery Street. Part of the evening will be a discussion of the recently concluded property revaluation performed by Maxwell Appraisal Services.

There will an opportunity for public participation starting at 7 p.m.

There has been considerable concern raised about the revaluation, which saw significant increases in the value of properties and, hence, town taxes.

The opportunity for an "informal hearing" with Maxwell has passed, but it is possible to meet with town Assessor  David Roach once the tentative assessment role is issued May 1. Roach will be " sitting with the role" each Wednesday in May from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 14 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Roach will also be in the town office each Wednesday in April from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have any questions about the assessment process or your particular assessment, you can stop by and speak with him. No appointment is necessary.

You may also send information about your property requesting an adjustment to Maxwell by mail. The letter should, according to a notification from Maxwell, include:

  • A recent listing of the property showing the asking price, time on the market, offers, etc.
  • A recent appraisal of the property.
  • A recent "arms length" sale of the property.
  • Recent sales of similar properties.
  • Photos showing problems with the physical condition.

Letters should be sent to: Maxwell Appraisal Service, 16 Broad St., Hamilton, NY 13346

Based on this, Maxwell may offer an adjusted value in May.

If you are not satisfied with the valuation, you can file a formal grievance with the Board of Assessment Review.

Town Board member Peter Darby reminded anyone engaged in agriculture with a gross income of at least $10,000 or who leases land to a farmer with a gross income of at least $10,000 is eligible for an exemption on qualified land. This exemption must be filed with Assessor David Roach before May 1. Forms are available at the town offices.

On April 26, at 7 p.m. in the Green Room of the Colgate Inn, Hamilton Forum will present Don Radke, president of the Syracuse Board of Realtors, discussing: buying property for resale value, and understanding property valuation. Hamilton Forum is sponsored by Hamilton Rotary, Hamilton Village Real Estate and the Colgate Inn.

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Comments(1):

  1. Reval meeting

    Monday, April 11, 2011 Peter

    THE URGENT DEADLINE IS MAY 1 FOR FILING FOR AN AG EXEMPTION. Everyone will have an opportunity to speak at the meeting onApril 14. It is not necessary to register first with the town clerk.