MyRye.com is entering the podcasting business with a new weekly podcast hosted by former Rye Mayor Doug French. Available on all major podcasting platforms, MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French will tackle the larger and sometimes intractable issues impacting the City of Rye through interviews with local, county and state officials and business leaders.
In Episode 11 of Season 1, French explores the intricacies of property taxes and assessments in Rye. Caroline Gottiletta, chair of the Board of Assessment Review (BAR), shares insights on how assessments are conducted, fairness in the process, and future trends impacting property valuations and taxes.
This episode of MyRye.com Conversations with Doug French was produced by MyRye.com. Feedback and story ideas are welcome.
Main Topics Covered:
- Why Rye hasn’t had a citywide property assessment since the 1970s and the challenges involved
- The current assessment role: statistics, property values, and how Rye compares to other municipalities
- How assessments influence property taxes, including county, school, and municipal components
- The processes and fairness considerations in the assessment grievance system
- The role of comparables and property condition in assessment disputes
- Trends affecting assessments: redevelopment, aging in place, and system modernization
- The impact of outdated citywide assessments leading to potential disparities
- Suggestions for leveraging technology and AI to improve the assessment and grievance process
- How residents can proactively manage their assessments and participate effectively
- Personal experiences and surprises from serving on the Rye Board of Assessment Review
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to property taxes and assessments in Rye
02:01 – Why Rye hasn’t had a citywide property assessment since the 1970s
02:54 – Rye’s property valuation and comparison with other Westchester towns
03:55 – Breakdown of Rye’s property tax components and their impact
04:42 – How assessments affect county and municipal taxes
05:45 – Introduction to Rye’s Board of Assessment Review and process overview
06:14 – Filing grievances and how the review process works
07:24 – The interaction between homeowners, assessors, and the Board
08:28 – Clarification on property inspections during grievances
09:24 – The impact of assessment adjustments on the tax system
10:58 – The importance of fair and accurate assessments for homeowners
12:04 – Disagreeing with assessments and common grievance reasons
13:12 – Issues with outdated assessments and variability across similar homes
14:01 – How redevelopment and aging homes influence assessment trends
16:43 – Future considerations: aging in place and redevelopment impact on taxes
18:23 – The use of technology and AI in assessment processes
19:37 – How homeowners can better understand and participate in assessments
21:01 – Common misconceptions about the grievance process
22:37 – Resources for Rye homeowners and how to engage effectively
23:36 – Future topics and closing thoughts for Rye residents
Watch:
Full Transcript:
Speakers
- MyRye.com (Doug French)
- Caroline Gottiletta, chair of the Board of Assessment Review (BAR)
MyRye.com:
