Property revaluation discussed by Oshkosh Common Council

OSHKOSH, WI – (WISS) – The City of Oshkosh is required to do another revaluation of commercial and residential properties to be in compliance with Wisconsin Department of Revenue requirements. The Common Council voted to delay approving a company to conduct those revaluations pending information from city staff.

Council Member DJ Nichols said he wants all the information before deciding. Additionally, he wants to know if the city will have any recourse in case another valuation is out of compliance.

“This time around, I want to make sure that while it might still be painful and confusing to an extent because they always are,” said Nichols. “That we’re adequately protected if we end up in the same position we were in.”

Because this is the second time Oshkosh has had to do a revaluation, City Manager Mark Rohloff said it has to be done right this time.

“You’re right. If we fail, that doesn’t do anybody any good,” said Rohloff. “This is a no-fail provision.”

Council Member Jacob Floam also wanted more details on the revaluation, but he specifically wanted clear communication with the residents and businesses of the city on why the revaluation is needed.

“Because there’s a lot of hearsay moving around. There’s  people who have some of the story but may not all of the story. May be a little bit confused about why we have to revalue again,” Floam said. “I really would like to see that laid out very clearly to the public. And all those questions are being answered because people, frankly, are not going to be happy.”

Rohloff said that there is no urgency to hire the consultants for the valuation. He will gladly bring the full contracts for approval at a future council meeting. 

The City is recommending hiring Associated Appraisal Consultants for the commercial assessment revaluation at a cost of $285,000. It then recommends a three-year annual maintenance contract with Associate Appraisal Consultants for $202,500.