News Release - City Rolls Out “Get the Facts” Reassessment Resource Sessions

The regular, accurate assessment and valuation of property ensures that the property tax levy is distributed fairly and equitably. For example, if a reassessment didn’t adjust to reflect actual real estate market values, longtime city homeowners could be subsidizing the property tax burdens of new homeowners who purchased their homes at much higher property market values.

Every four years, the City conducts a citywide property reassessment to ensure that property values remain as close to possible to their “fair market value” — what they would sell for on the current market. To estimate the new values, the City utilizes several factors, including comparative analyses of current sales of similar homes in the same neighborhood, assessments of a property’s physical features such as condition, square footage, number of bathrooms, quality of construction, and more.

The last citywide reassessment occurred in 2020. For the 2024 reassessment, the City evaluated more than 64,000 properties.

Every city property owner was sent a letter in December 2023 containing their property’s assessment estimate for 2024. That letter—called the Full Disclosure Notice—conveyed the property’s current assessment value next to the City’s new estimate of the property’s 2024 market value. The letter included an estimate of the expected tax increase or tax decrease based on the new valuation with no allowance for tax exemptions or credits. It also included instructions and deadlines for scheduling a review with City Assessment staff to discuss the assessment, instructions on how to officially contest their preliminary assessment, and information about available tax exemptions and credits. Since that notice was sent, the City has conducted more than 5,400 informal reviews.

At this stage of the process, property owners wishing to contest their 2024 assessment estimate must complete a formal grievance form (N.Y. State Real Property Law RP-524)—which can be obtained at City Hall, online at www.cityofrochester.gov/assessment, or by calling (585) 428-7221. This form, along with supporting documentation, must be received by the City by March 19, 2024. The City Board of Assessment Review (BAR) will then conduct hearings in March and April where owners can provide sworn testimony. The Board will review each complaint, make a determination, and notify applicants of the outcome by mail.

Property taxes will not automatically increase simply because a property is assessed at a higher market value. If a property’s assessed value was increased by less than the average increase citywide, the tax bill for that property is likely to decrease. If the assessment stayed relatively the same, or did not go beyond the citywide average increase, the estimated taxes will likely decrease or stay relatively the same.

This year—because of national and local trends—assessments went up citywide. Therefore, the tax levy will be distributed over a broader tax base and the City’s tax rate is expected to go down proportionally.

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The Administration of Mayor Malik D. Evans strives to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone. Guided by the Administration’s Mission, Vision and Values and the principles of the “Rochester 2034” comprehensive plan, City employees are committed to providing exceptional customer service, transparent stewardship, and collaborative leadership to foster a vibrant community that empowers personal, professional and generational growth for all who live, work or play in the city of Rochester.