Overview - Step 5: Change of Assessment Notice

 

The final step in the revaluation process is the notification to the property owner.  In July of 2009 each property owner will receive a “Notice of Assessment” letter in the mail stating their old and new valuation.  Any property owner who may feel that this new valuation is not proper may file a formal appeal with the Fayette County Board of Assessment Appeals within thirty (30) days of the date on the initial notice.

The County commissioners have appointed independent assessment boards to hear appeals filed by property owners.  This process will take place between July and October of 2009.  The County will open a satellite office at 253 South Mount Vernon Ave. Uniontown to handle this process. 

If a taxpayer chooses to file an appeal, he/she will be notified by mail as to when the hearing is scheduled.  All appeals will be heard by a three (3) member independent appeals board.  Testimony will be audio recorded to assure an accurate and complete record.  Property owners are urged to bring information to state their case in a clear and concise manner.  Comparable sales within their immediate neighborhood are the best form of comparison.  Also any physical defects within the property should be documented with photographs.  Board members will review the assessor’s data along with testimony given and render a decision, normally within a ten day time period.

If a property owner does not agree with the board’s findings, he/she may file and appeal to Fayette County Court of Common Pleas within thirty (30) days of the board’s notice.

Once all appeals have been heard and decisions rendered, the Chief Assessor will then notify all of the local taxing bodies, i.e. County, Municipality, and School District of their new total valuations.  This should occur by November 15^th.  Once the taxing bodies receive this information, they are required by law to adjust their millage rate for the 2010 tax year accordingly.  Similar action took place in 2003 when millage rates were reduced by all taxing bodies.  In 2002 the average school millage was 65 mills; in 2003 it was reduced to an average of 12 mills.  A further reduction in millage rates is anticipated, although not as dramatic as values are now going from 2003 to 2010, and not 1958 to 2003 as had previously occurred.