To download and print the Reassessment petition, click here or on the petition image at the end of this post.
The fairness of the Grand Chute Reassessment performed in 2025 needs to be questioned. The reason is because the assessment methodology used in the 2025 Reassessment differed greatly from the methodology used in prior Reassessments, at least as it concerns the valuation of residential properties. Previous Town-wide Reassessments were based primarily on the use of comparable properties that were sold. This approach provides a necessary “apples-to apples” comparison of ‘like’ properties.
The 2025 Reassessment did not use comparable properties as a valuation benchmark. Instead, the town was arbitrarily divided into residential neighborhoods. Property valuations were made based on property sales of similar style homes – but not necessarily comparable homes / properties. In some cases, no sales of comparable properties even occurred within an identified neighborhood.
The use of a valuation methodology not based on comparable properties invites accuracy problems because all transparency is lost. It appears that the residential portion of the 2025 Grand Chute Reassessment was determined using a mathematical algorithm. However, there is no opportunity to know whether the algorithm is accurate without analyzing the algorithm and then verifying its accuracy by looking at the valuations given to comparable properties. As a result, property owners were unable to evaluate and reconcile the valuation placed on their property.
Because the Grand Chute portion of each real estate bill is typically only one-third of the total annual real estate taxes paid by Grand Chute residents, the total financial impact of any property valuation inaccuracy may actually be three times the amount of any property valuation error. In the case of the 2025 Grand Chute property Reassessment, there is concern that many residential properties have been over-valued. If this assertion is found to be true, many 2025 residential real estate tax bills were higher than they should be and, therefore, inaccurate. The Town’s Total Assessed Value will also be overstated. When a Town’s Total Assessed Value is overstated, the amount of property taxes that are collected may be more than they should be.
The ‘Final – Equated Statement of Assessment for 2025’ shows that the Total Assessed Value of Grand Chute properties increased from $3.0 billion to $4.5 billion as a result of the Reassessment, which is a 50% increase. Consequently, many property tax bills increased significantly.
It is important that we all pay our fair share for the municipal services we receive, but if property values are not calculated accurately, all fairness is lost. Accuracy is the foundation of a fair reassessment.
To download and print the Reassessment petition, click here or on the petition image below.
If you have questions about the Reassessment petition, please contact:
Jeff Ings
Phone: (920) 731-5684
Email: GrandChuteReassessmentPetition@gmail.com
