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1. When will the reappraisal begin?

The process is underway. The Town has engaged Vision Governmental Solutions to provide on the ground and in the neighborhood contacts with Town property owners.

2. How will I know when someone is in my area?

The Listers office will be updating the website of what area of town is being canvased. Look for the "Where are the Data Collectors this week?" on the 2017 Revaluation News page.

We will also be sending out a phone message a week or two before they are in your area through the Vermont Alert (VT-Alert) system. You can also call the office anytime to check 802-295-3077.

3. How do I enroll in the VT-Alert system?

You can enroll by going to VT Alert - Enroll and fill in the required information. For more information see the FAQ for Vermont Alert.

4. What can I expect of the inspection?

Your home will be visited by a representative of Vision Governmental Solutions (VGS). The VGS representative will take a photo of the front of your home and inspect the interior and exterior making note of the construction, quality and condition of your residence.

The VGS staff person will not be assessing your furniture, decorative elements, appliances or personal items that are not built-in, or any other removable elements.

5. Will the VGS representative ask to come into my home? May I deny access?

The Vision Governmental Solutions (VGS) representative will ask for your permission to enter your home to conduct an interior inspection to note the interior features of your home and their construction, quality and condition. You may deny the VGS representative access to your home.

We strongly encourages all residents to allow an interior inspection. It is vital in having accurate records to determine your assessment. However, if you deny access and later want to appeal the valuation, an interior inspection is required at that time and your appeal will not be considered without it.

If you choose not to admit the VGS representative, the VGS representative will appraise your home from a street view. There may still be an increase or decrease in the value of your property. Refusing entry does not mean that a new assessment will not occur.

6. Will the VGS representative take photographs of the interior of my home?

The Vision Governmental Solutions (VGS) representative will not photograph the interior of your home.

7. How can I feel safe with a stranger in my home?

The Town of Hartford has received and reviewed background checks for all Vision Governmental Solutions (VGS) representatives that were completed recently in connection with a VGS project for another town. In addition, VGS has conducted its own background checks on all of the representatives who will be visiting the homes in the Town and gathering data for the appraisals.

The VGS representatives will have two identification badges, one from the Town and one from VGS. All have been employed by VGS for more than 15 years. All of the representatives, with one exception, were on the staff who prepared the Town's reappraisal in 2007.

If you are concerned about someone in your neighborhood, you are encouraged to call the Hartford Police Department or the Town of Hartford Assessor's Office to verify that the person at your door legitimately represents VGS. Also ask to see both forms of ID.

If you are concerned about being alone then we encourage you to invite a neighbor, a friend, or a family member to be with you during an interior inspection so that you might feel more secure.

8. When will I learn about the new assessment value of my property?

As part of the revaluation process once all the values are estimated for the entire town, the values will be published for each property owner to review, approximately May 2017.

9. What if I disagree with the value resulting from the reappraisal?

First, review your entire property card. If there are any discrepancies, notify the Listers to correct the record. Second, if you still disagree with the assessment, you will need to make an appointment for a 'Grievance' hearing with the Listers.

More information about how to appeal and the time frame within which an appeal may be filed will be provided when the new appraised values are issued.

10. Who may I call if I have questions or additional concerns?

The Listers office at the Town of Hartford. The number is 802-295-3077 or email P Stark or email M Wilson.

11. What if I am unhappy with my taxes, can I grieve them with the Listers?

No. The assessed value is what is utilized to set your taxes. The tax rate is based on what is approved in March at the education and town meetings as the budgets. You need to vote!

12. What if I have a hardship?

There are several reasons stated in the law that outline what is an acceptable hardship in order qualify for property tax relief. (See VSA 24 § 1535. Abatement). You will need to contact the town clerk to apply.