GLOCESTER – Residents in Glocester recently received revaluation notices that saw many properties jump in assessed value, and in some cases, showed a display error that’s led to some confusion.
The town used software and staffing from Catalis Tax & CAMA to perform the calculations, part of a state-mandated process that aims to bring assessed values in line with current market values.
Notices mailed out on Thursday, Feb. 18 warned that the new values should not be multiplied with the current rate in attempt to calculate a property owner’s tax burden, as new rates will be set during the town’s budget process later this year, and could likely decrease
But many concerned about rising costs flocked to social media nonetheless to air their grievances.
“Since 2017, our homes ‘government assessed’ value has gone up 92 percent,” noted Evan Anthony on a Facebook page with more than 7,000 followers dedicated to Glocester residents. “Our house was built in 1997 and no major renovations have been done. I really hope the town council can budget effectively and bring the per thousand rate down especially with all the new developments going up.”
“As a community, we should be able to take a step back and realize that this is not sustainable, especially for the elderly and those on a fixed income,” he added.
Anthony was not alone in his thinking.
“Forget about appealing; I’ve tried that,” noted Marion Cerroni. “The council doesn’t listen to you. Hey Chepachet, times are tough; we are dealing with inflation, increases in Medicare, and decreases in SNAP. Give your residents a break in these tough times. I say we all revolt and picket the town hall. Enough is enough. Do not raise our assessments.”
Town Council President William Worthy also posted on the page, attempting to clarify the process.
“As property assessments increase across the town, the tax rate is typically adjusted downward once the total tax levy is calculated,” Worthy noted. “An increase in assessment does not automatically mean the same proportional increase in taxes, as the rate is recalibrated based on the overall valuation and approved budget.”
Worthy and others noted that the calculations appeared to have included finished basement areas as above ground space.
“At this time, there is a known issue affecting some property assessments,” he stated. “Specifically, in certain cases where a property has full or partial living space below grade, it has incorrectly been added to the above-grade living area calculation. This is an error and is actively being reviewed and corrected.”
“I was starting to get phone calls,” Worthy later told NRI NOW of his reason for weighing in.
NRI NOW contacted both Catalis and Glocester Tax Assessor Jessica Parker to clarify the error.
“It has no bearing on the valuation,” said Catalis Executive Vic President Eric Johnson.
Johnson noted that there’s an option in the software system to bundle the square footage for basements into a total square footage number – but that the setting is for “display purposes only” on the record card and the property website.
“Finished basements are still valued on a lower amount per square foot than above grade living space,” Johnson said. “Therefore, the valuation notices sent to homeowners and the valuation that displays on the property card/website is accurate.”
Parker said she was also contacted by some homeowners about the issue and that Catalis has since corrected the setting, with notices of the display error set to be mailed to those affected by Monday, March 9 at the latest.
Johnson noted the company took the action in hopes to eliminate any confusion.
“Some towns prefer to bundle square footage while others do not. The update has already been made in the Glocester system,” Johnson said. “No property owner’s valuations will change.”
Still, the process includes a chance to appeal the valuation for anyone who believes there may be an error in their final calculation.
Worthy said his own property went up $200,000 in value, and he is among those who are scheduled for an informal appeal hearing.
“I’ve been telling everyone if you don’t like it, appeal it,” he said of the notices.
Worthy reiterated that the values do not necessarily come with an increased tax burden.
“The tax rate could go down, so the assessment isn’t going to have too much affect on cost,” Worthy said, noting state law also caps any potential increase at 4 percent.
Still, Worthy said he understands the concerns of many homeowners.
“People are just feeling the pressure,” he said. “I think the fear goes up because they know what’s happening right now in the school’s budget.”
Worthy pointed out that the Glocester School Department has proposed a budget that would see the town’s local allocation increase by 7 percent.
“Everybody knows what’s pushing the budget,” he said.
The council president also spoke to concerns about the short window for appeals, pointing to the town’s limited staffing.
“We have to have an end to the appeal process because we have to get the budget done,” he said, noting that Glocester’s budget process will get underway in just a few weeks. “We’re on a time constraint because of when we set the budget.”
To compare change in value with that of neighbors, Glocester residents should visit www.catalisgov.com/nereval to see a listing of all properties, including prior assessment information. Property owners who can demonstrate that their appraised value exceeds market value can get an informal hearing by contacting Catalis Tax & CAMA at (401) 737-0300 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. by Friday, March 6 to schedule an appointment or schedule online at www.catalisgov.com/nereval.
The hearings will be held at the Glocester Town Hall at 1145 Putnam Pike on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parker noted that the assessor’s office will also have the usual appeal process from August 1 through November 15.
The re-evaluation process used in Rhode Island is unfair. When they appraise your home based on what others overpaid to buy your neighbors home that should reflect what your home’s value is. It’s a continuing fleecing of home owners every few years.
Very interest ed. Why so many errors, nearly every year?
So tired of winning!