This letter is directed to the home owners in the town of Fleming who have property assessments close to market value.

In 1968, I purchased a home in Fleming. The assessment was immediately changed to reflect the purchase price. The equalization rate at that time was about 50 percent.

Around 1980, the Town of Fleming was reassessed to full value, with the equalization rate set at 100 percent and with assessments to be adjusted each year to reflect true market value to maintain the 100 percent equalization rate (which obviously has not happened).

As a result of that full value reassessment, my property taxes were substantially reduced, while those who were underassessed saw large increases. In other words, I and any one else who was assessed at or above market value were “helping” those who were under assessed pay their taxes during that 10 year period. So, don't believe the horror stories about full value assessments that some are spreading.

The other problem is the falling equalization rate. I sold the house purchased in 1968 and purchased another in 2001. The assessed value divided by the equalization rate (70) equaled the purchase price of the 2001 purchase. Now however, using the new 41.52 equalization rate will mean my property is now worth 70 percent more in the seven years since I bought it. I find it very hard to believe that much appreciation in value in that time frame.

The Fleming Town Board should make the assessment problem its No. 1 priority. There should be a complete and FAIR reassessment of ALL properties in town, to ensure EVERYONE pays their fair share.

Lou Patti

Town of Fleming