|
This Page was Last Updated
November 15, 2007
CURRENT PRESS
RELEASES:
NOVEMBER 2007:
As of press time, the Town is still waiting for the Department of
Revenue to set this year’s tax rate. Documents submitted to DRA this
year show new construction and land development added $41.5M or only
1.92% to the Town’s net valuation. With little change in the net
valuation the tax rate is expected to be higher than last year, as it
will reflect the approved budget increases including school bond
payments voted in last March. The December tax bill contains the annual
tax with credits for the June payment.
Tax Year 2007 Assessment
Information is available in the Assessing Office, as well as, Nesmith
Library. We highly recommend obtaining a copy of your “Property Record
Card”, a report that contains the physical data collected and utilized
to calculate your current assessment. As per State Law, assessments are
based on what existed and was completed as of April 1st.
Our review of property
sales since our 2006 revaluation shows a downward trend in home prices.
While this is not great news to property owners, it seems Windham is
fairing better than other communities. Regionally home sales are
sluggish, and nationally the trend reflects a struggling market. Windham
is fortunate as it wasn’t severely impacted by sub-prime lending
failures as were other communities. The DRA confirmed our 2006
assessment ratio was 94.7%. Recent sales indicate our 2007 ratio is now
100%.
The ratio is the
statistical measure for State-wide equalization. Our primary concern is
assessment proportionality. This is the level of assessment as it
relates to market value between taxpayers. We are keenly aware that no
one wishes to pay more than their fair share. Under DRA guidelines, the
Town is not required to update values until 2010. However, our office
will monitor trends to see if adjustments for 2008 are necessary.
We invite residents to
contact our office at 434-7530 with questions, concerns or to discuss
the assessment process. The Assessing Office hours of operation are
Monday-Friday, 8am to 4pm.
LINKS:
We also offer the following as a means
to aid you in better understanding the workings of the property tax
process and departmental procedures:
|