Once again the majority of homeowners in Red Deer face lower property values.
The City of Red Deer’s average single-family property decreased about three per cent, a little less than the 5.4 per cent average for the year previously. During recent boom times, residents on average were seeing property values increase at alarming rates.
Assessments are based on what property values were on July 1 of the previous year, the provincially legislated evaluation date.
The City of Red Deer has been accepting property assessment appeals since Jan. 15.
City assessor Brian Lutz said two have been received — one residential, one commercial.
“We’ve received a lot of calls, but like most years, we’re able to explain what we can,” Lutz said. “And we do inspections if required.”
Provincial Bill 23 requires communities to have a 60-day appeal process instead of 30 days.
Red Deer’s appeal process ends March 15.
“That’s probably one of the bigger changes,” said Lutz.
The legislation also requires more authorization of appeals. Communities must use a government-authorized form, instead of a city form.
“Within the appeal, you have to be a little more succinct — an actual amount what you feel the property is worth,” Lutz said. “You never used to have to do that before.”
And communities must be open to sharing as much information as possible to the appellant, which Lutz said he supports.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com