PdC Open Book sessions June 23
To maintain fair and equitable assessments, and to comply with state regulations, the city of Prairie du Chien has contracted with Accurate Appraisal to conduct a market revaluation for 2020. This process results in all assessments being brought to market value.
Accurate Appraisal will conduct Open Book sessions to assist taxpayers in understanding their assessments. These will be held in the Prairie du Chien City Hall council chambers, on Tuesday, June 23, from 12 to 3:15 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m.
According to a letter sent to city property owners June 3, the assessment value is one of many variables used to determine property tax rates. A change in a property’s assessed value does not necessarily indicate an increase or decrease in the amount of property taxes to be paid. However, it does reflect the most recent market value of the property and helps to ensure all property owners are paying their appropriate share of taxes to support local school, technical college, county and municipal government services in the community.
A few concerned citizens contacted the Courier Press over the course of the past week to share their grievances, feeling that a revaluation of property in the city is coming at an awful time, considering the economic impact the coronavirus has had on small communities in particular.
Tuesday will be the opportunity for community members to present those concerns and ask questions of one of the appraisers.
Online appointment scheduling is available. Log on to www.accurateassessor.com and click the online appointments link on top of the screen, then choose your location (Prairie du Chien), next choose your service (Open Book). After you select a schedule/date, click the date on the calendar to select your appointment time and then enter your personal information. If you do not have Internet access, call Accurate Appraisal at (800) 770-3927 to schedule an appointment. If you cannot make the arranged appointment times and wish to discuss your assessment at another time, contact the company at accurate@new.rr.com.
If, after the Open Book session, citizens wish to object to the assessment, people are asked to contact City Clerk Tina Fuller at 326-6406 to file a “Form of Objection” and to schedule an appointment before the local Board of Review. A written or oral intent to object with the city clerk is due at least 48 hours prior to the Board of Review meeting at city hall between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., Thursday July 30.
Appearances at the Board of Review are by prior appointment only. The Board of Review meeting is a formal proceeding at which the Board is required to evaluate evidence based on facts.
