Property Assessments
The assessor is responsible for the valuation of all real and personal property located within the City of Watertown to provide fair and uniform assessments throughout the city. Assessment procedures are governed by Chapter 70 of the Wisconsin Statutes and the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual. The city contracts with Accurate Assessors (Phone: 920-749-8098, Email: Info@accurateassessor.com) for assessment services.
The State of Wisconsin requires assessed values to be within 10% of market value. Updating assessments frequently will bring all assessed values closer to their fair and equitable market value as required by State Law. 2022 - Revaluation year, 2023 - Maintenance year, 2024 - Interim Market Update, 2025 - Maintenance Year.
A change in your assessed value has no impact on the amount of taxes that need to be collected. However, your new value may change your properties percentage share of total taxes collected.
Open Book
Each year, residents can review the current year assessment roll. This session is called Open Book. This allows you to compare your property assessment to other similar properties in the community. If you have specific questions about your home and the value listed, we encourage you to speak with the City Assessor during in-person open book sessions (no appointment required) at City Hall, 106 Jones Street in Rm 0008 on August 21 10am-2pm or August 22 2pm-6pm, additionally you may request a phone appointment online at accurateassessor (be sure to enter in the municipality name when requesting an appointment online), call 920-749-8098, or Email to INFO
Board of Review
Board of Review functions like court and is required to evaluate evidence based on facts. You or your representative must provide factual evidence that your property is inequitably assessed. The burden of proof is solely on the taxpayer. The assessor’s value is presumed correct by State Law until proven otherwise. Objections for 2024 are due to the City Clerk by 10am September 24, 2024.
More Information
State Statute 70.47(7)(a) which relates to Board of Review.
To learn more about what assessors do, please watch this video: