The Board of Assessment Review consists of three to five residents who have at least a general knowledge of property values in the community. The Common Council members vote to appoint BAR members. The board selects one of its members to act as chair to conduct proceedings.

The BAR’s sole purpose is to arrive at a fair and impartial decision regarding the assessment on property. The BAR hearings evaluate assessment reviews (grievance applications) and are open to the public under the State’s Open Meeting Law. The BAR may require the property owner or their representative to appear personally, or to submit additional evidence to help in the determination of their case.

The BAR meets once a year, the first Tuesday in August – “Grievance Day”. There are usually three hearings scheduled for the board. In most cases, the BAR will not make any decision the day of the hearing. After due deliberation in private, the BAR will render a decision and notify the claimant by mail. The decisions have to be finalized before the final assessment roll is filed, which is on or before September 15th.

Any Questions you may contact the Assessor’s Office at 315-339-7614.