As everyone knows, all properties in Delaware are being reassessed. Initial assessments went out last autumn, and informal appeals were available to be scheduled. I scheduled such an appeal (Nov. 22) and brought all my data, comparable properties, corrections to my property description (e.g., they said I had a finished basement, I don't), etc. The person from Tyler Technologies took all the information, said my case looked reasonable, and I was told I would get a letter in February with the results. However, all that came was a form letter indicating the exact same assessed value with no explanation as to how they evaluated the information I gave them and why (if that's the case) a change was considered unwarranted. No commentary on the five comparable properties that more closely resemble my property (rather than the five they used that were for larger houses with finished basements or other improvements I didn't have). The letter only stated no changes were made, and if I disagreed, I should file a formal appeal with the county.
This is outrageous! I took the time to gather data, make corrections to the errors in their property description and went to Georgetown to meet with them and give them all the info and data. And they cannot even respond to me individually about my case? I believe either the state or the county is paying this contractor, and as a taxpayer-funded project, we should get full transparency. This doesn't appear to meet the definition of a review, informal or not. If I am not entitled to a reduction in my assessment, please have the decency to tell me why, what in my information was wrong, and why the comparable properties I presented were inadequate to justify a change. Something. Not a form letter. I believe I made a well-reasoned case, and I would think all county taxpayers would be entitled to a detailed explanation of what happened in the review process to result in no action, and transparency almost demands more than what was sent by mail. I urge all readers to contact their own legislators to protest this and demand that counties get more detailed results from the reassessment contractor.
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