The City of Waukesha's Board of Review convened on July 22, 2025, to address a significant property assessment dispute involving Shepherd LLC, the owner of a commercial property at 1800 Shepherd Court. The property, currently assessed at $5,000,220, has sparked contention due to perceived discrepancies in valuation compared to similar properties in the area.

During the meeting, representatives for Shepherd LLC argued that the assessment was excessively high, particularly when compared to a nearby property owned by Longview LLC, which was assessed at a significantly lower rate. Attorney Ben Plisky, representing Shepherd LLC, emphasized that the buildings in question share similar characteristics and should therefore have comparable assessments. He noted that the Longview properties, despite being newer, were assessed at a lower value, raising questions about the consistency of the city's assessment practices.

Matt Schaeffer, another representative, highlighted that their properties lack many amenities found in other complexes, which could affect their market value. He pointed out that their average rents are around $1,100, suggesting that the current assessment does not reflect the true market conditions. Schaeffer also mentioned that no recent sales of their buildings had occurred, indicating a reluctance to sell at the assessed values.

The Board of Review clarified that the burden of proof lies with the taxpayer to demonstrate that the city assessor's valuation is incorrect. The board will consider the evidence presented before making a determination on the assessment.

As the meeting progressed, the board members engaged with the representatives, seeking clarity on the specifics of the properties and the rationale behind the assessments. The outcome of this review could have significant implications for property owners in Waukesha, particularly regarding how assessments are conducted and the potential for appeals in the future. The board is expected to reach a decision by the end of the proceedings, which will be closely watched by local stakeholders.