01/12/2026
2026 Milan Grievance Day Letter to the Editor:
Eliminate the Middleman: Third Party Companies May Take Up to 50% of Projected Savings on Property Assessments
Did you know you can discuss and potentially reduce the assessment value of your property by meeting directly with your Town Assessor at no cost?
Recently, municipalities all over Dutchess County have been in litigation with third party companies, who commence tax certiorari proceedings on behalf of county residents. These proceedings cost the taxpayers in court fees and overtime hours for town employees. Additionally, these third-party companies charge anywhere between 30%-50% commission on any money they save a resident, if they reduce the property’s assessment.
Would you opt for a minimum of 30% charge on your savings if you knew you could do this for free? Most likely not. These companies bank on you being too busy to handle this directly with your town assessor. If the assessor agrees that your assessment is too high, they can lower it for the next fiscal year.
A meeting with your assessor does not guarantee that your assessment will be lowered. If not, you still have the option of filing a Grievance with the Board of Assessment Review, which is the fourth Tuesday in May every year. You also have the right to eventually commence a tax certiorari proceeding. The Tentative Roll with any changes to your assessment comes out on or around May 1st each year and is available online and at the Town Hall.
It is our job as town employees to let residents know: There is a better way to address an issue with your property’s assessed value. Aside from the annual Grievance Day held by each town’s assessor’s office, residents are encouraged to contact us first before accepting a third party’s proposal to take the matter up on your behalf.
Town of Milan’s 2026 Grievance Day is held at Milan Town Hall, 20 Wilcox Circle, Milan, NY 12571 between the hours of 10AM TO 12NOON, 1:00PM TO 4:00PM AND 6PM TO 8PM on May 26th, 2026. We ask that you call ahead to schedule an appointment for that day, or you will have to wait in line.
Keep your money in your wallet! Call us first. 845-758-5133 Ext. 4
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