Projects
Current Projects:
Revaluation
What is a revaluation?
A revaluation is when a municipality establishes an official value of real property within the municipality.
Why do a revaluation?
The purpose of a revaluation is to fairly distribute the tax burden among all property owners based on the current value of their property. Real estate is appraised so that all property owners fairly share the costs of Town services, such as police protection, street maintenance, plowing snow, maintenance of Town park and many other services.
Real property must be assessed at the same standard of value to ensure that every property owner is paying his or her fair share of the property tax. For example, two properties having essentially the same market value should be paying essentially the same amount of property tax.
When was the last revaluation done in the Town of Fenwick Island?
The last revaluation was conducted in 1976 – 43 years ago!
Who will be doing the revaluation?
The Town of Fenwick Island has contracted with Pearson’s Appraisal Services to conduct the revaluation.
How is market value of my property determined by the revaluation firm?
Licensed assessors review information from inspection of property, and analyze and compare all recent property sales in each neighborhood. Those comparable sales are used to formulate the valuations in that specific neighborhood. Variables, such as age, size, quality, condition, location and amenities are important factors given consideration.
How are businesses or commercial properties revalued?
Revaluation of commercial properties works much the same way as revaluation of residential properties. Trained certified assessors gather information, such as physical characteristics, replacement cost, land values and circumstances regarding any recent property purchases. Income and expense information may be requested because it is related to what investors are willing to pay for property.
Will all property values change?
Most likely, yes. However, not all property values will change at the same rate. While some properties may increase in value, some may remain the same. Market values may actually decrease for some properties. One purpose of a revaluation is to make sure that the assessed value reflect the changes that have occurred in property values.
When will I be notified about my revaluation?
A licensed assessor will begin the field work in February 2019. Property owners will have the chance to meet with the assessor to ask any questions about the value estimate.
What should I do when I receive the proposed real estate property assessment letter?
Read the letter carefully. You will find not only the new valuation of your property, but instructions on how to proceed, depending on whether or no you agree with your property’s assessment. If you believe the new valuation is an appropriate assessment of your property’s value, you don’t need to take any action. If you are not satisfied with the result of your new assessment and wish to discuss your new assessment, please refer to the letter for dates and times that you can discuss this with the assessor.
Will the new Town revaluation affect my Sussex County assessment?
No. Sussex County taxes and the Town of Fenwick Island taxes are calculated independently. This revaluation will not affect your Sussex County taxes.
A formal presentation was given to Town Council at the October 26, 2018 Council Meeting. Here is a link to the presentation: Revaluation Presentation
If you have any other questions regarding the revaluation or your tax bill, please contact Town Hall at 302-539-3011.
Future Projects:
Dredging
A study of the Little Assawoman Bay has been conducted, and dredging plans may be in the future! For more information, please visit: https://fenwickisland.delaware.gov/2017/10/27/dredging-update/
Sidewalks
The Town, in conjunction with DelDOT, are planning for the installation of sidewalks over the next few years. For more information, please visit: https://fenwickisland.delaware.gov/sidewalk-project/