New Castle County Councilmembers Call For Independent Audit Of Property Reassessment

The audit request follows a tsunami of backlash and complaints from community members. (Photo by Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Two members of the New Castle County Council are urging the county to launch an independent audit of its recent property reassessment, citing widespread concerns from residents and community groups about the fairness and transparency of the process.

Councilmembers David Tackett and Brandon Toole announced Tuesday that they want an external review of the reassessment conducted by Tyler Technologies, the Texas-based company hired by the county to carry out the update.

The reassessment marked the first countywide property value review in decades and has drawn significant criticism from homeowners.

“I have heard countless stories from our neighbors who are grappling with property assessments that seem disconnected from market realities and previous valuations,” Tackett said. “Many residents feel that the methodology used by Tyler Technologies lacks transparency, and the appeals process has not adequately addressed their concerns.”

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Toole echoed Tackett’s concerns and highlighted what he sees as uneven treatment between residential and commercial properties.

“This significant shift in the tax burden on residential properties requires careful investigation,” Toole said.

Among the key issues raised by the councilmembers:

Lack of Transparency: Homeowners have expressed confusion about how Tyler Technologies determined property values, citing limited access to the data and criteria used.
Inconsistent Assessments: Reports of similar properties receiving vastly different assessments within the same neighborhoods have fueled frustration. In some cases, high-value commercial properties saw notable decreases in assessed value, lowering their tax burden.
Impact on Vulnerable Residents: Seniors, low-income families, and long-term homeowners on fixed incomes may face disproportionate increases in their property taxes, potentially threatening their ability to remain in their homes.
Flawed Appeals Process: Critics have described the appeals process as inadequate, with many denied or given minor adjustments that don’t fully address their concerns.

Tackett and Toole say the only way to restore public confidence is to conduct an independent audit of the reassessment process.

“An independent audit is not just a request; it’s a critical step towards restoring public trust and ensuring that every homeowner is assessed fairly and accurately,” Tackett said.

The call for an audit comes as the reassessment continues to draw scrutiny from residents and community advocates across New Castle County. County officials have not yet publicly responded to the audit request.