The Town Board and Assessor will discuss ways to address this on Tuesday. It's  unacceptable for people to be having problems connecting with Tyler.  My suggestion: Since thousands of people are going to try to reach Tyler to schedule an appointment at the same time- they should let people request appointments by e mail--and promise to get back to residents promptly.  This way no one has to be put on hold for 30 minutes or hear busy signals when calling.

Tyler has agreed to meet with residents during normal business hours with limited evening and weekend appointments as well.  You DO NOT have to hire an attorney or a tax representative.  The process is easy and free – no need to pay a representative at this point., If you are dissatisfied with the result from Tyler Technologies you still have a right to file a formal grievance (between June 1st – June 21ST).  So the numbers you received in the mail are tentative, subject to change.

When you have your meeting with Tyler provide them with information.  For example, photos, appraisal, market analysis from a realtor, if just purchased, a copy of your contract/closing statement/sales listing sheet, just to name a few. 

If you have been trying to get through to Tyler and haven't had success- please e mail the Town Board at townboard@greenburghny.com.  If you have had a positive experience we'd like to know that too.   I have only heard from a half dozen people (out of 30,000 parcels) so I may be over- reacting. But--in the past I have found that when six people complain about the same thing they usually represent a lot more people who don't bother contacting me.

The last time the town conducted a reassessment was 60 years ago (that won't happen again---the Town Board passed a law requiring assessment rolls to be updated regularly). Reassessment will create fairness. It's not fair for residents living in the exact kind of home in the same neighborhood to be paying thousands of dollars more or less than their neighbors.  in addition, the town, county, school and fire districts have been paying up to $10 million a year in certiorari refunds because of the failure to reassess. Once our rolls are updated the certiorari refunds will dramatically be reduced--there will be more stability and predictability regarding your taxes. Prior to the decision of the Town Board to commence reassessment we reached out to school districts, village governments and civic leaders.  We were encouraged to initiate the reassessment. An October 11, 2011 statement from the Edgemont Community Council was critical of the town for not reassessing properties around town: "The town's 56 year failure to conduct a town-wide reassessment is costing the Edgemont School district millions of dollars."

It's aggravating to hear from people whose taxes will go up. But, the entire Town Board is trying to do what is right for the town long term.

PAUL FEINER