The City of Waukesha's Board of Review convened on July 22, 2025, to address property assessments and valuation concerns, particularly focusing on a four-unit residential property at 501 Randle. The meeting began with discussions on necessary repairs and improvements to the property, including significant costs associated with foundation excavation, electrical service upgrades, and window replacements.

The property owner presented an estimated total expenditure of approximately $70,000 for essential maintenance, citing issues such as water intrusion and the need for structural repairs. The board reviewed the current assessed value of the property, which had increased from $412,200 to $585,900, reflecting a general market trend of around a 42% increase for similar fourplexes in the area.

Lori, a representative from the assessor's office, noted that the current valuation did not account for the water issues, as they were not previously reported. She emphasized that while the property was generally in line with comparable sales, the ongoing water problems could potentially affect its market value. The board acknowledged that the property owner had not provided sufficient evidence to challenge the assessor's valuation, which was supported by recent comparable sales data.

During deliberations, board members expressed concerns regarding the lack of documented evidence to substantiate the property owner's claims about the impact of the condition issues on value. Ultimately, the board voted to uphold the assessor's valuation, concluding that the property owner did not meet the burden of proof required to adjust the assessment.

The board's decision reinforced the importance of accurate reporting of property conditions in the assessment process. The property owner was informed of their right to appeal the decision to the circuit court if they wished to contest the ruling. The meeting concluded with the board in recess, with plans to reconvene later in the day to address additional agenda items.