Residents of Brentwood, NH, gathered on September 9, 2025, for a crucial Revaluation and Tax Rate Q&A meeting, where town officials addressed concerns regarding property valuations and their impact on local taxes. The meeting aimed to clarify how recent property assessments would affect tax rates and what residents could expect moving forward.

One of the key points discussed was the concept of the equalization ratio, which measures how closely property values align with market values. A ratio of 50% indicates that properties are undervalued by half, while a ratio above 100% suggests overvaluation. Town officials emphasized that the equalization ratio is determined by the state and does not directly influence tax rates. Instead, it serves as a benchmark for assessing property values against the market.

The town conducts property revaluations every five years, a practice that helps maintain accurate assessments but comes with costs. As property values have risen significantly since the last assessment, officials assured residents that the tax rate would decrease to reflect these changes. The operating budget, approved by taxpayers in March, remains unchanged, meaning that as property values increase, the tax rate will adjust downward to avoid collecting excess revenue.

Officials provided a general guideline for residents to anticipate how their individual tax bills might change based on property valuation increases. If a homeowner's property value rises less than the average increase—projected at around 60%—they may see a decrease in their tax bill. Conversely, those whose property values increase more than the average could face higher taxes. Factors such as home improvements can also affect individual valuations.

The town contracts with KRT, an assessment company, to conduct property evaluations. Residents were encouraged to review their property cards for accuracy and to reach out with any questions regarding their assessments.

As the town prepares to finalize the tax rate by mid-October, officials remain committed to transparency and communication, inviting residents to submit questions via email for further clarification. This meeting highlighted the town's efforts to keep the community informed about changes that directly impact their financial responsibilities and property values.