KENT COUNTY, Del.- Homeowners are gaining insight into their 21st-century property values. Many are concerned about potential tax increases, while commissioners stress tax fairness.
The statewide property reassessment came after a Chancery Court Judge's 2020 ruling that Delaware's existing tax assessment system was unconstitutional. It is Kent County's first since 1987.
All three counties engaged Tyler Technologies, the same contractor, for property inspections and data collection.
Kent County, housing fewer properties compared to Sussex and New Castle, is the first area to receive tentative property values via mail.
Robert Banks, a homeowner, expressed surprise at the higher figures.
"I was not expecting it to jump that much," he noted.
While Banks mentioned, "It is overdue and with the cost of everything going up I can see it," others voiced their discontent with their valuation.
"I don't like it I live in one of the worst neighborhoods there is and the ground is not worth that much," shared Darlene Busch. "There is no way I will be able to pay those taxes every year."
Addressing tax concerns and questions, the Kent County Levy Court, collaborating with Tyler Technologies, conducted multiple meetings and workshops.
During one presentation Senior Appraisal Project Supervisor, Michael McFarlane, explained the intricacies of tax implications based on property class assessments.
He said what matters is whether a property's assessed value has gone up or down compared to the average for its property class.
If your property's value changed less than the average for its property class, tax decreases are likely. Similar changes imply minimal tax adjustments, while above-average changes will probably result in increased taxes.
Kent County commissioners assured property owners in an open letter that the total property tax collection would remain relatively unchanged. They anticipate about a third of properties witnessing an increase, a third experiencing a decrease, and a third remaining stable.
Nevertheless, Busch indicated plans to appeal her assessment, scheduling an appointment this Thursday and stating, "If it doesn't work, I'll have to get a lawyer."
Tyler Technologies is currently conducting informal reviews for property owners with queries or concerns about their initial assessments.
Dissatisfied owners can progress from an informal review to an appeal before the Board of Assessments, followed by Superior Court if needed. For an informal review, property owners can contact KentScheduling@tylertech.com.
Any changes in taxes resulting from this reassessment will take effect by July 2024. Kent County has set a firm limit, capping total property tax revenue increases at 15 percent.
Levy Court Commissioner Robert Scott is conducting Q&A sessions about the reassessment. One is scheduled for Thursday at the Frederica Fire Company, and another on Monday at the Milford Fire House. Both sessions commence at 6 p.m.