During our first grievance hearing, we cited a comparable property which had been under-appraised by at least $200,000. The appraisers responded, on the record, that "a mistake had been made" and that they had in fact grossly undervalued that property. We asked, on the record, if it could be corrected. "Only if the owner grieved to have the appraisal increased," said the appraisers, which seemed rather unlikely.
This admitted error, and concerns already raised about the reappraisal process, lead to this question: How many other mistakes were made? The Waitsfield Select Board should discuss the need for an immediate, independent audit by appropriate experts. Finally, if such an audit is undertaken, its cost should not be borne by Waitsfield taxpayers.
Jim Tabor
Waitsfield
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