May 27, 2009:
Elbridge (WSYR-TV) - Elbridge property owners upset with this year's assessments had the chance to argue them down Wednesday night.
It was grievance day and the town's assessment board had a full slate of appointments. Elbridge is one of the few towns in Onondaga County that we've heard from property owners who say assessments have jumped significantly.
“There are properties that are worth more – I can understand that, but I was comparing it to other properties, and it seemed like mine was quite a bit more,” says homeowner David Cooper. “I just want it to be comparable to other properties.”
The assessment board will rule on the grievances in the next three or four weeks.
May 26, 2009:
Homeowners challenge assessments on grievance day
Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - It's that time of year again -- the fourth Tuesday in May marks tax grievance day in central New York.
But not too many people made appointments this year to argue their case; that's especially true in the town of Salina, where less than 40 hearings were heard Tuesday.
Ken Jacobs, of Salina, has never fought to lower his property assessment before, but after it soared by nearly $20,000 he felt he needed to do something.
“I just think it was in the neighborhood -- it was an over assessment,” says Jacobs.
Many people who came to try to lower their assessments Wednesday, came with three important things: Pictures, the square footage of their home and a recent appraisal.
Comparative home values can also help. Renaldo Nicolli brought his after his assessment went up. He says his home is valued at $175,000, but it was assessed at more than $200,000.
“The house next door to me is assessed at $150,000 and her house is bigger than mine,” he said at his grievance.
Nicolli says his assessment shot up because his 2,400 square foot ranch home faces Onondaga Lake.
“Well, were overlooking the lake, but that's the dirtiest lake in the country -- and sometimes the smelliest,” Nicolli says. “I hope they'll listen to my explanation and my view.”
But either way, these two men will have to wait and see.
The assessment board voted to review their cases, and make a final decision within three to four weeks.
