Wilmington City Council faces backlash over flawed property tax assessments by Tyler Technologies

The Wilmington City Council convened on May 22, 2025, to address pressing concerns regarding property tax assessments that have sparked significant community unrest. Residents voiced their frustrations over perceived inaccuracies in the assessments conducted by Tyler Technologies, which many believe do not reflect the true market values of their homes. This meeting highlighted the urgent need for a reevaluation of property values before tax bills are issued.

Several residents from various districts, including Roslyn Ponso and Lourdes Rivera, shared personal stories illustrating the discrepancies between assessed values and actual sale prices in their neighborhoods. Ponso emphasized that homes in her district were assessed at values far exceeding their market worth, making it impossible for residents to sell at those prices. Rivera echoed these sentiments, pointing out that her home was assessed at $197,000 despite its actual value being significantly lower. Many speakers expressed concerns about the financial burden these inflated assessments could impose, particularly on low-income residents and seniors on fixed incomes.

The council members acknowledged the flawed assessment process, with some calling for a halt to the certification of the current assessments until a thorough review can be conducted. Dr. David Chin, a physician and resident, highlighted the drastic increases in assessed values, noting that his home was appraised at $611,000, a figure he deemed unrealistic compared to recent sales in his neighborhood.

In response to these concerns, the council discussed a proposed ordinance aimed at establishing a new tax rate structure intended to mitigate the impact of the flawed assessments. This ordinance would maintain a revenue-neutral position while adjusting tax rates for residential and non-residential properties. Council members debated the necessity of passing this ordinance to ensure the city could maintain essential services, such as public safety and sanitation, while also addressing the community's concerns about fairness in taxation.

Despite the urgency to pass a budget, council members expressed a desire to hold Tyler Technologies accountable for the inaccuracies in their assessments. The meeting concluded with a vote on the proposed ordinance, which passed with a narrow margin, reflecting the council's struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with the need for equitable treatment of residents.

As Wilmington moves forward, the council's commitment to addressing the community's concerns will be crucial in restoring trust and ensuring that property assessments reflect the true value of homes in the city. The ongoing dialogue between residents and council members will be essential in shaping future policies and practices regarding property taxation.