New Castle County is looking into the assessment data.
Despite a failed resolution at the most recent County Council meeting Aug. 26, Bob Wasserbach, the county auditor, said in an email that his office is in the “information gathering” phase of reviewing the assessment data and methods. This includes reading over the contract joined with public sector data company Tyler Technologies, its final report for the county, professional mass appraisal standards and more.
Wasserbach is also signing up for a brief course on mass appraisals, given by the International Association of Assessing Officers, or the IAAO. Tyler Technologies, in their final report for property assessments in the county, said their results fall within acceptable standards by the IAAO.
WILMINGTON’S NEW TAX OUTLOOK Wilmington’s skyscrapers have lower tax bills from new assessments
One metric did not fall within those standards, one that measures uniformity in property values in a given area. In Wilmington, property variance caused less uniformity than the rest of the county. The rest of the metrics fall within bounds, the report said.
Wasserbach’s email on Aug. 28 said his office is documenting questions that could be asked to Tyler Technologies and the County Assessment Office. More details on what his office is doing are expected next week.
Tyler Technologies stood by their appraisals in an email to the News Journal/DelawareOnline on Aug. 26. It called audit requests “extremely rare” and said they don’t produce material change. It said its work was conducted in accordance with the law and within the industry standards.
“Tyler has been conducting appraisal services since its inception and has assessed over 34 million parcels across the country,” it said. “We stand fully behind the quality of our work and our track record demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.”
COUNTY KILLS REVIEW RESOLUTION New Castle County Council denies review Tyler Technologies’ property assessments
Any potential official audit will not affect tax bills. The only thing that will affect your bill is an upcoming appeal, and the deadline to apply for that passed in March. Those 5,200 appeal hearings are beginning soon.
New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry sent out a statement on Aug. 28 saying that he is committed to being ” transparent, responsive, and focused on real solutions” regarding the new tax reality and that his office is offering help to Wasserbach. The County Auditor’s Office is independent of Henry and of the council.
Council President Monique Williams-Johns said she is going to stay engaged with county residents through the rest of the year. She is hosting a community meeting in Middletown on Sep. 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the MOT Senior Center.
“Property taxes are essential for funding our schools, maintaining infrastructure, supporting public safety, and sustaining vital services,” her statement said. “Yet, even as we acknowledge these needs, we must not overlook the human cost. Together, we must find balance – a way forward that supports our county without crushing our communities.”
These updates come after a marathon council meeting, where dozens of New Castle County residents gave public comment supporting the resolution for an official county audit into the assessment. Council supporters of the resolution said it was good government to be transparent and respond to the many constituent concerns about higher tax bills.
“It might even serve to give our constituents some reassurance that Tyler’s processes were not flawed,” said Council member Dee Durham, who represents Brandywine Hundred, at the finance committee meeting on Aug. 26. “No one here is accusing Tyler (Technologies) of fraud or malfeasance.”
Council members opposing the resolution said it distracts from real solutions.
“Political theater in real world is often criticized as empty posturing, a staged show, designed for appearance rather than substance,” Council member Valerie George, representing the Newark area, said in the finance committee meeting. “And I think that is what we’re doing today.”
Wilmington City Council will no longer vote on a resolution in support of the doomed county one. But, the General Assembly passed a resolution committing to improving the process and reviewing the most recent one with state, local and county leaders.
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: New Castle County auditor gathering information about assessments
