The City of Waukesha's Board of Review convened on July 29, 2025, to address property assessment disputes, focusing on the commercial property located at 823 Northeast Avenue. The meeting began with procedural introductions and an overview of the process, emphasizing the burden of proof on the property owner’s agent to demonstrate that the current assessed value was incorrect.

Attorney Joshua Konopaki, representing the property owner, presented evidence contesting the assessment of $726,600, which included a land value of $111,400 and improvements valued at $615,200. Konopaki argued for an alternative assessment value of either $470,000 or $289,400, supported by a detailed packet of exhibits.

The attorney provided a chart of comparable commercial sales in Waukesha from 2019 to 2024, highlighting properties that had sold for significantly less than the assessed value of the Northeast Avenue property. He noted that the assessment had increased by 46.5% from 2024 to 2025, raising concerns about its accuracy compared to similar properties in the area.

Konopaki pointed out specific examples, including a property sold for $725,000 in late 2024, which was assessed at a lower value than the Northeast Avenue property. He emphasized that many comparable properties had lower assessments, suggesting that the current valuation was not reflective of the market.

The City Assessor was then given the opportunity to respond, and the Board of Review members engaged in questioning both parties to clarify the evidence presented. After all testimonies were heard, the Board planned to deliberate and make a determination based on the facts and evidence provided.

The meeting underscored the importance of accurate property assessments and the legal framework guiding the Board of Review's decisions, as they are required to uphold the assessor's valuation unless compelling evidence is presented to the contrary. The outcome of this review will impact the property owner’s tax obligations moving forward.