The Property Tax & Assessments division is responsible for maintaining fair, accurate, and transparent property valuations across the City of Silver Falls. Assessments play a vital role in determining how the tax burden is shared among residential, commercial, and industrial property owners. By ensuring that assessments reflect current market conditions and follow state law, the division helps support essential municipal services including public safety, public works, parks, libraries, and general operations.
Property assessments in Silver Falls are based on the market value of land and improvements. Staff review real estate trends, building activity, neighborhood conditions, and comparable sales to determine values that are equitable throughout the community. Assessors also update records when new homes are built, additions are completed, commercial structures are renovated, or significant improvements occur on a property. Maintaining accurate records ensures that property owners are taxed fairly and in proportion to the value of their property relative to others in the city.
Reassessment cycles follow statutory guidelines established by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Silver Falls conducts both annual maintenance reviews and periodic full revaluations to ensure assessments remain aligned with actual market conditions. During these processes, assessors may conduct exterior inspections, review property data, update digital records, and verify recent sales information. Residents are encouraged to review their property details and report discrepancies so corrections can be made promptly.
How Assessments and Taxes Are Determined
An assessment establishes the taxable value of a property, while the tax rate is set separately by the taxing jurisdictions that serve Silver Falls. Property taxes support the City, Silver Falls School District, county government services, technical colleges, and specialized districts. The City does not control all portions of your tax bill, but the Assessment division ensures that the value used to calculate taxes is accurate, compliant with state law, and consistently applied across neighborhoods.
After assessments are finalized, property owners receive an Assessment Notice detailing the new value and offering instructions for requesting clarification. Property owners who wish to discuss their valuation may contact the Assessment division during the “Open Book” period, where staff explain how assessments are determined and review supporting data. If concerns remain, property owners may file a formal appeal with the Board of Review, which conducts a quasi-judicial hearing to evaluate evidence and make a final determination.
The division also supports property owners by maintaining exemption records for qualifying nonprofit organizations, administering special assessments for public improvements, and assisting with parcel splits or combinations. Staff work closely with the Building Department to ensure that new construction and renovation activity is accurately captured in assessment records.
Property owners can access tax bills, payment history, installment schedules, and assessment data through the City’s online property data system. This resource provides transparency and helps residents understand how taxes are calculated, when payments are due, and how public services are funded.
The City of Silver Falls is committed to maintaining a fair and accountable property valuation system. Through accurate assessments, high-quality public engagement, and open communication, the division ensures that each property contributes its share toward the services that make Silver Falls a safe, vibrant, and well-maintained community.