Town of Webster launches 2027 townwide revaluation project with an opening community meeting at the public library

Webster, New York – The Town of Webster has officially embarked on a project that has been more than two decades in the making. On Tuesday, July 22, local officials and residents gathered at the Webster Public Library for a community meeting to launch the 2027 Townwide Revaluation effort. Town leaders framed the event as the beginning of a three–year journey designed to bring property assessments up to date and ensure fairness across the community.

Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty, joined by Town Assessor Donna Komor, Town Councilwoman Jennifer Wright, and several other representatives, used the meeting to explain why this initiative is necessary and how it will unfold. A revaluation, they reminded residents, has not been done in Webster since 2004. Over the past 21 years, the real estate market has shifted dramatically, creating disparities in how property values are assessed.

Many property owners may not think about their assessments until tax bills arrive, but the differences have become significant. Some homes are assessed far above what they would sell for, while others are valued too low compared to current market conditions. This unevenness impacts how tax responsibility is shared across Webster.

“The unprecedented appreciation of the residential real estate market of recent years has driven our equalization rate downward,” said Komor. “The other types of real estate, such as commercial and industrial, have not been as dramatically affected. Unfortunately, there is only one equalization rate for any municipality, and our equalization rate is no longer representing all properties as it has in the past. The best methodology to correct this inequity is a Townwide Revaluation.”

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Town officials emphasized that revaluations are not designed as a tool to raise taxes but rather as a way to distribute the tax burden more fairly. A homeowner whose property has been undervalued for years might see an increase, while another who has been paying more than their fair share could actually see relief. Still, officials acknowledged that the process often stirs up fear and confusion.

“Revaluations are often met with skepticism, misunderstanding, and anxiety,” Flaherty said. “This fear is driven by misinformation that a change in a property’s assessment will necessarily cause tax bills to increase. The Town of Webster’s goal is to be a reliable source of information and resources for our community throughout the entire revaluation process.”

To help ease concerns, the Town is rolling out a public education campaign that begins this year. Even though the first changes in assessment will not appear until the September 2027 school tax bill, officials want residents to be informed well in advance. Over the next three years, the Town will host public forums, share updates online, and provide opportunities for one-on-one conversations with staff from the Assessment Office.

Another major piece of the effort is the involvement of KLW Municipal, a consulting firm that has guided communities across New York State through similar processes. The Webster Town Board approved a resolution in December 2024 to contract with KLW, dedicating a portion of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to cover the costs. The project will be led by KLW’s municipal operations co-director, Robert Koszarek, who has spent years overseeing reassessment projects in towns both large and small.

“We are very excited to be partnered with KLW Municipal for this momentous project,” Komor said. “Their experience across the state will greatly benefit this project. KLW’s team will become an extension of our assessment office team, but solely focused on this project as we continue our other services to the community. The Town Board chose wisely in selecting KLW.”

The revaluation is expected to be a detailed and meticulous process. Assessors and consultants will examine property data, visit sites as needed, and apply updated market analysis to ensure accuracy. The ultimate aim is to create a system where Webster’s tax base reflects real market conditions rather than outdated numbers from two decades ago.

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Residents were told that transparency will be at the core of the process. The Town’s website will serve as a central hub for information, and town staff pledged to answer questions quickly and clearly. Officials also stressed that the revaluation is about fairness, not about boosting government revenue.

For many in the community, the July 22 kickoff marked the first time they had heard in detail how the project would play out. While questions and concerns are sure to continue, Town leaders hope that early communication will help ease anxieties and keep residents engaged.

By beginning now, Webster has given itself a long runway to explain, prepare, and carry out the reassessment. The final results will not be felt until 2027, but the work of bringing fairness to the tax system has already begun.

More information and updates about the 2027 Townwide Revaluation project can be found on the Town of Webster’s official website.