In 1975, all residential properties underwent a similar reassessment process. During this process, assessors visited homes and used a standardized matrix or rubric to determine property values. This system benchmarked homes of all ages to establish their assessed value. For example, in 1975, a particular property might have been assessed at $20,000, resulting in a tax payment of $490, with an effective tax rate of 2.45%.

If that same home were built today on the same lot with no changes—such as new outbuildings, improvements, or additions—its assessed value might be $131,800. While the assessed value has increased, the tax burden would remain roughly the same at $490 because the effective tax rate would decrease to approximately 0.372%.

Using the same 1975 rubric, a newly constructed home built two years ago would have had an assessed value of $20,000 at that time. Reassessing it with today's updated rubric should yield an assessed value close to its purchase price two years ago, such as $131,800. Assuming no significant changes or improvements were made, the tax burden would remain relatively stable, with the effective tax rate adjusted accordingly.

However, many property owners have increased the value of their homes over the years by adding features like swimming pools, paved driveways, or home additions. These enhancements may not have been reflected in previous assessments and are only now being accounted for because assessors have physically inspected each property.

Conversely, properties where structures like barns or outbuildings have been removed may see a decrease in their tax burden, as these removed features are no longer included in the updated assessment.

This overview is a generalized explanation of what should occur during property reassessment.

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