The City of Waukesha Board of Review convened on June 6, 2025, to address property assessment appeals, focusing on the valuation of residential properties in the area. The meeting featured discussions from homeowners contesting their property assessments, with particular emphasis on comparable sales and property features.

The first appeal came from a homeowner who argued that their property was overvalued at $646,300, suggesting a more accurate assessment would be $615,000. The homeowner highlighted that a neighboring unit, which they claimed was nearly identical, was assessed lower at $631,000. They contended that the assessment was skewed due to the inclusion of a basement fireplace, which they described as an LED backdrop rather than a functional fireplace. They also referenced recent sales of comparable properties, noting that a nearby three-bedroom home sold for $525,000, indicating that their unit could not realistically command the assessed value.

Board members engaged with the homeowner, asking for specifics about the properties in question and discussing the differences in features, such as garage size and the number of fireplaces. The homeowner maintained that the market did not support the current assessment, citing that similar homes were listed for significantly lower prices.

Following this, the assessor presented a sales comparison sheet, detailing three comparable properties. The first, located on Conifer Court, sold for $640,000, while another on Walnut Trail sold for $570,000. The assessor noted that the first comparable had been extensively remodeled, which contributed to its higher sale price. The board discussed the implications of these renovations and how they affected market value.

Throughout the meeting, the board members emphasized the importance of market value over assessed value, reiterating that the assessment process should reflect current market conditions. The discussions highlighted the complexities involved in property assessments, particularly in cases where homeowners believe their properties are not accurately valued in comparison to recent sales.

The meeting concluded without a definitive resolution, as the board continued to deliberate on the evidence presented. Homeowners were encouraged to provide any additional documentation or testimony in future sessions to support their appeals. The board's next steps will involve further review of the assessments and consideration of the evidence provided by both homeowners and the assessor.