Farmington residents are alarmed after receiving letters from the town that double their property assessments, according to RochesterFirst.com. The residents, from a neighborhood in Farmington, are now seeking to challenge the town’s decision and have the property values reassessed.
A resident on Stonefield Lane provided a letter showing a net increase of over $300,000 in property assessment. John Palmerini, another resident on the same street, received a similar letter. “In effect, our assessment was doubled which doubles the taxes that we need to pay,” he said. Palmerini currently pays over $10,000 per year in taxes, which would double to $20,000 if the new assessment stands.
Elizabeth Baker, Palmerini’s neighbor, also received a letter indicating that her assessment has doubled.
Town Supervisor Peter Ingalsbe told RochesterFirst.com that an increased assessment does not necessarily mean that town property taxes will increase. He explained that the values are a direct reflection of the tight real estate market, where people are paying thousands of dollars over assessed values. Ingalsbe also mentioned that the 2023 tax rate is set at $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Despite reassurances, some residents like Baker are considering leaving the state due to the high taxes. “We’re looking at going back to South Carolina. The taxes there are probably about a quarter of what we’re spending,” she said.
In response to the new assessments, the residents plan to form a group to question the increased amounts and push back against the town’s decision.
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