Assessor

In accordance with Connecticut General State Statute 12-62, the Town of Westbrook is in the final stages of completing the 2021 Revaluation. This revaluation will correspond to the tax bills that will be due in July 2022. Increase notices have been sent out and residents have the opportunity to attend hearings regarding questions about their new assessment. For those wishing to further contest their value, appeals to the Board of Assessment Appeals must filed by February 20, 2022, applications can be found online or in the Assessor’s office.

If you have evidence proving the estimated 2021 market value of your property is different, you may request an appointment for an informal hearing with the revaluation company by visiting their website www.munival.com/Westbrook.  You will need the PID # shown at the top of this letter in order to book your appointment. If you experience a problem accessing the website or do not have access to a computer, please call (203) 292-5500. Please book your appointment within seven (7) days of receipt of this letter. Appointments will be held from November 22, 2021 through December 4, 2021 with some evening and Saturday appointments available. Hearings will be in the Town Hall building, South Conference Room, located at 866 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, Connecticut.

Commonly asked questions:

What is a revaluation?

A revaluation involves the reappraisal and reassessment of all real estate in the town, in order to bring about uniformity in property assessments and to assure all property owners that they are paying only their fair share of the cost for community services. Revaluation is NOT intended to raise revenues; rather its purpose is to value all property by the same standards at the same point in time to equalize the local property tax burden.

How is the Market Value Established?

People make the market, a willing buyer and a willing seller. Activity in the real estate market and the economy are also factors. The value of your property is based on the analysis of the entire market. All sales in a given area are used as guidelines, and the revaluation company & Assessor take into account many other factors, to come up with the fair market value. The assessment is 70% of market value.

Why is the town revaluing all properties?

 The last revaluation was conducted in 2016. Because property values have changed since 2016, inequities have emerged. The State of Connecticut recognizes the need for periodic revaluations and pursuant to Section 12-62 of the General Statutes requires the Town of Westbrook to conduct this revaluation for the Grand List of October 1, 2021.

Will this mean the town is going to collect more taxes as a result of revaluation?

Not necessarily. The purpose of a revaluation is to redistribute the property tax burden by assessing all taxable property at the same time and at the same level of value. The amount of local property taxes raised depends on local expenditures and the level of other sources of revenue, such as state and federal aid, as quantified during the annual budget process.

What about motor vehicle taxes?

Motor vehicles are assessed at 70% of their average retail value each year. After revaluation the property tax rate (mill rate) generally will be reduced. Due to these factors motor vehicle taxes will generally decrease.

ASSESSOR