Assessment for Dummies?

Jeffery Savitski, the St. Lawrence County editor for the Watertown Daily Times, wrote an interesting opinion piece about the Town of Potsdam Assessor and the assessment process.

Mr. Savitski writes about the Assessor's responsibilities, "Remember it is not your responsibility to get things right. If the taxpayer thinks you got something wrong, make them prove it. That’s another beauty about this system: You don’t have to show taxpayers photos, or explain how you came to the conclusion that their small house was worth more than a bigger and better house down the street. They have to show you!"

Please visit the link below to view the article in its' entirety.

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20090512/BLOGS06/905129978

TOPTA applauds Mr. Savitski's candor and appreication of the situation with the Potsdam Town Assessor!

Tentative Roll Available Today!

The 2009-2010 tentative property assessment roll for the Town of Potsdam is available today. Visit the Town Office in Potsdam or the St. Lawrence County Real Property Services Office in Canton for information about your 2009-2010 tentative property assessment.

If for any reason you are not treated in a courteous and professional manner by the assessor or any Town or County staff member, please let TOPTA know immediately. Email TOTPA Board of Directors confidentially at townofpotsdamtaxpayersassociation@gmail.com

Fighting Back: One Man's Story

TOPTA Board of Directors have come across a useful website about how to successfully grieve one's assessment.

The website, also listed in the links section of TOPTA's blog, is http://www.townofnewhartford.com/FIGHTINGBACK/joeindex.htm

Joe Pacini, a New Hartford, NY resident, maintains the website and has also authored a book that details how to successfully grieve property assessments. Many of TOPTA's Board members have purchased the book and highly recommend it. It's easy to read and is a valuable resource.

Visit the website today because information is the key to success!

Grievance Day May 26

The Town of Potsdam Grievance Day is Tuesday May 26 and now is the time to prepare.

Whether you decide to grieve your assessment or not, it is important for you to know exactly what information the assessor has on your property.

• Visit the Town Office on Market Street in Potsdam and ask the assessor, assistant assessor, or clerk for a copy of the file on your property today!
• It is not the assessor's responsibility to verify the validity of the information he has on your property. It is up to you, the property owner.
• Did you know that statistics show 40 to 60% of all residential assessments are incorrect to some degree? Get your property file today and verify the information--you might be surprised at what's in your file!