The New Castle County Administrative-Finance Committee meeting on July 22, 2025, focused on the ongoing reassessment process and the appeals related to property values. A significant portion of the discussion centered around the informal and formal appeal processes that have been established for residents.

The committee reported that 11,354 informal appeals were conducted, allowing residents to contest their property assessments. These informal appeals were open until January 10, 2025, providing ample opportunity for residents to voice their concerns. Following this period, the county received and analyzed data related to these appeals, revealing some discrepancies in property assessments that needed further investigation.

In February, the county shared this data with local school districts and other impacted jurisdictions, marking the first comprehensive review of the assessment data. The committee noted that some anomalies were identified, such as properties with assessed values that appeared inconsistent over time.

As part of the reassessment process, the Board of Assessment Review adopted new rules to facilitate formal appeals, including the hiring of nearly 100 referees to oversee these cases. The committee also extended the Tyler contract to assist with commercial appeals, addressing technical issues related to property appraisals.

To ensure transparency and impartiality, the county collaborated with the Board of Realtors to help residents navigate the appeal process. An FAQ was released to guide residents on how to file appeals, which was crucial as the formal appeal deadline was extended to March 31, 2025.

As of April, the county logged 5,208 formal appeals, indicating a significant engagement from residents in the reassessment process. The committee emphasized the importance of accurately recording these appeals and understanding the implications for property values in New Castle County.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's commitment to addressing residents' concerns regarding property assessments and ensuring a fair and transparent appeal process.