2018 CITY OF OMRO REVALUATION OF PROPERTY

As required by state law, the City of Omro will be undergoing a full revaluation of every property. What is a revaluation? A revaluation is a complete and thorough review of all residential property. Both the lot and improvements are reviewed. All assessed values are examined and adjustments are made where necessary to assure that all property is assessed at market value. The purpose of the revaluation is to create equitable and uniform assessments in accordance with state statutes.
How is a revaluation done?
Lot sizes and attributes such as traffic and location are verified; positive and negative influences are noted. Lot sizes and land sales are analyzed and land values may be adjusted. Starting in May, the appraiser will go door to door to every owner of property, requesting an appointment to view the interior of each home. If he is unable to reach you at home, a mailing will be sent out allowing you to call them for a future appointment. Flexible appointment times are available and each inspection takes approximately 15 minutes. The appraiser will walk through the property, verifying the room count, quality and condition of the home. This may include measuring basement or attic finish. The appraiser will also review the exterior property features.
After all of the interior inspections are completed, each property is assessed equitably at fair market value with other properties in the neighborhood. Land values are based upon lot size, shape and location within the neighborhood. Houses are valued based upon their size, age, quality, condition, and location within the neighborhood. Other features that affect value include number of bathrooms, kitchen remodeling, basement and attic finish, central air conditioning, type of exterior siding, garages, porches, and decks. All land and improvement values are based upon recent sales.
Do I have to allow the Assessor to inspect my property?
To ensure fair and equitable assessments, we encourage property owners to allow the appraiser to inspect the property.
When do I get my new assessment?
Assessment notices will be mailed in summer to early fall of 2018 to every property owner whose assessment changed from the prior year.
What are my appeal rights?
Property owners who think that their property is not assessed at fair market value are encouraged to call or visit their appraiser during the Open Book period listed on the assessment notice. At that time, a formal objection to the assessment may be filed.
How will I know if the person at my door is authorized by the city?
Our Assessor is Bowmar Appraisals out of Appleton. Starting in May, Bill Kiekhaefer (pictured on the right) will take over going house to house and setting up appointments as necessary. He will have a letter authorizing him to work on behalf of the city and credentials for you to see. If you have concerns about the person at your door, please call City Hall or the Omro Police Department and we will be happy to assist you.
Where can I get more information?
How is a revaluation done?
Lot sizes and attributes such as traffic and location are verified; positive and negative influences are noted. Lot sizes and land sales are analyzed and land values may be adjusted. Starting in May, the appraiser will go door to door to every owner of property, requesting an appointment to view the interior of each home. If he is unable to reach you at home, a mailing will be sent out allowing you to call them for a future appointment. Flexible appointment times are available and each inspection takes approximately 15 minutes. The appraiser will walk through the property, verifying the room count, quality and condition of the home. This may include measuring basement or attic finish. The appraiser will also review the exterior property features.
After all of the interior inspections are completed, each property is assessed equitably at fair market value with other properties in the neighborhood. Land values are based upon lot size, shape and location within the neighborhood. Houses are valued based upon their size, age, quality, condition, and location within the neighborhood. Other features that affect value include number of bathrooms, kitchen remodeling, basement and attic finish, central air conditioning, type of exterior siding, garages, porches, and decks. All land and improvement values are based upon recent sales.
Do I have to allow the Assessor to inspect my property?
To ensure fair and equitable assessments, we encourage property owners to allow the appraiser to inspect the property.
- You have the right to refuse entry into your residence pursuant to section 70.05 (4m) of the Wisconsin Statutes. Entry to view your property is prohibited unless voluntarily authorized by you. Pursuant to section 70.05 (4m) of the Wisconsin statutes, you have the right to refuse a visual inspection of the interior of your residence and your refusal to allow an interior inspection of your residence will not be used as the sole reason for increasing your property tax assessment. Refusing entry to your residence also does not prohibit you from objecting to your assessment pursuant to section 70.47 (7) of the Wisconsin statutes.
- While inspecting your property, Assessor's Office staff will follow the provisions of WI Stats. Sec. 943.13 and 943.15, which allow access to land and construction sites if all of the following conditions are met:
- The assessor or the assessor's staff enters the property in order to make an assessment on behalf of the state or a political subdivision.
- The assessor or assessor's staff enters the property on a weekday during daylight hours, or at another time as agreed upon with the land owner.
- The assessor or assessor's staff spends no more than one hour on the property.
- The assessor or assessor's staff does not open doors, enter through open doors, or look into windows of structures on the property.
- The assessor or the assessor's staff leaves in a prominent place on the principal building on the property, or on the land if there is not a principal building, a notice informing the owner or occupant that the assessor or the assessor's staff entered the land and giving information on how to contact the assessor.
- The assessor or the assessor's staff has not personally received a notice from the owner or occupant, either orally or in writing, not to enter or remain on the premises..
When do I get my new assessment?
Assessment notices will be mailed in summer to early fall of 2018 to every property owner whose assessment changed from the prior year.
What are my appeal rights?
Property owners who think that their property is not assessed at fair market value are encouraged to call or visit their appraiser during the Open Book period listed on the assessment notice. At that time, a formal objection to the assessment may be filed.
How will I know if the person at my door is authorized by the city?
Our Assessor is Bowmar Appraisals out of Appleton. Starting in May, Bill Kiekhaefer (pictured on the right) will take over going house to house and setting up appointments as necessary. He will have a letter authorizing him to work on behalf of the city and credentials for you to see. If you have concerns about the person at your door, please call City Hall or the Omro Police Department and we will be happy to assist you.
Where can I get more information?
Further questions? Contact the City Assessor, Bowmar Appraisals at 920-733-5369.