Assessment updates underway in North Canaan

NORTH CANAAN — An update of property assessments is underway, which explains those folks with tape measures appearing in yards around town.

This is not a full revaluation, but what Assessor Anthony Barber called more of a statistical update.

“We look at sales since the last full reval in 2002, and we look at building permits to get an idea of what properties have been improved,� he said this week.

Appraisal Resources Group has been on site for months, but Barber said the contracted appraiser and the assessor’s office are just now “getting into the thick of it.�

It’s too soon to predict how this will affect the Grand List of specific types of properties, but interim revaluations don’t typically have a big impact. The goal is to have more accurate property assessments going into full revaluations every 10 years, and to tax property owners as accurately as possible in the meantime. For example, before the interim updates, a property owner making improvements could wind up not paying taxes for years on things like additions, finished basements and swimming pools.

Barber noted that interim revaluations include the same appeals process as full revaluation. Every property owner will receive in the mail a check list of noted changes for their verification. They may also meet with the revaluation team informally to discuss discrepancies. Owners still not satisfied with their assessment may appear before the Board of Assessment Appeals next spring.

The changes will be in effect for the Oct. 1, 2006, Grand List and will show up on tax bills next July.