Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
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condition exists in your area, you don’t have to put up with it.
“The way assessments are determined in your community can make or break your tax bill. In the old days, local politicians joked about ‘horseback appraisals’.Today, this has given way in many places to what some assessors call ‘windshield appraisals’. They value your property without leaving their cars.
“On top of this, many assessors have no training, are paid as little as $50 per year, and are anxious to finish the job.
“There are, of course, many fine, scrupulously fair assessors. But even if the assessors in your town are honest and try to do a good job, they can cost you a great deal of money over the years if they aren’t trained.
“Even if the assessors in your community are reputable, you may still feel your assessment is unfair.
“When the assessor raises the valuation on your home, he is supposed to notify you by mail. If you think it is too high, your first recourse is the assessor himself. Go see him, state your reasons, and ask him to come and look at your home again. Back up your visit with a letter.
“He may comply unless his books are already closed. If that’s the case, you should wait until the ‘grand list’ or ‘assessment roll’ is ready. This is a public list and you’re entitled to see it and compare your assessment against those of your neighbors. Some newspapers publish it; some towns print and distribute it.”
Madam Editor, what would be the chances of having all assessments published in the Rappahannock News? I know it would be an enormous job which could take a long time, but perhaps one page per week (It would make good reading) over a period of time would take care of the situation. Don’t say “yea” or “nay” right now - but do give it some consideration.
Pauline Bruce
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