Town of Pleasant Valley Property Revaluation Information
The Town of Pleasant Valley will be conducting a town-wide property revaluation with the assistance of Bowmar Appraisal, Inc. This page is intended to help residents and property owners understand what a revaluation is, why it is required, and how it may affect property assessments and taxes.
A property revaluation often raises understandable concerns. One of the most common misconceptions is that a revaluation is done simply to increase taxes. That is not its purpose. Revaluation is required to ensure that all properties are assessed fairly and equitably based on current market conditions so that each property owner pays their fair share of the tax burden.
Why the Revaluation Is Necessary
Under Wisconsin law, municipalities must maintain assessed values within an acceptable range of market value. When assessments fall out of compliance, a revaluation is required.
The Town of Pleasant Valley’s assessment ratio is no longer in compliance with State requirements. As a result, the Town must complete a revaluation of all real and personal property.
The revaluation will be conducted in accordance with standards established by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR). Its purpose is to bring assessments into closer alignment with fair market value and to equalize the tax base across the community.
What the Revaluation Means for Property Owners
A revaluation does not, by itself, increase the total amount of taxes collected by the Town. Property taxes are determined by local budgets, levy limits, and the tax rates established to raise the needed revenue.
What a revaluation does is redistribute the tax burden more equitably based on updated property values.
As a result:
- Some property owners may see an increase in their tax bill
- Some may see a decrease
- Others may see little or no change
In general, if your property value increased more than the community average, your share of taxes may increase. If it increased less than the average, your share may decrease.
What to Expect During the Revaluation Process
Bowmar Appraisal, Inc. will conduct a market-adjusted revaluation of all taxable real property in the Town.
This process includes:
- reviewing recent property sales
- examining existing property records
- viewing the current Eau Claire County aerial images of each property
- analyzing property characteristics such as location, age, condition, style, and improvements
In most cases, interior inspections will not be necessary. If an interior inspection is needed, the property owner will receive a letter with additional information.
Residents and tenants are encouraged to cooperate with the authorized field appraisers. Appraisers will leave a door tag if they visit your property and need any follow-up information.
How Property Assessments Are Determined
Wisconsin law requires assessments to be based on fair market value. In determining value, assessors consider a variety of factors, including:
- recent sales of comparable properties
- current construction costs
- property improvements
- location
- depreciation
- zoning and other legal restrictions
- general economic conditions in the community
The assessor does not create market value, but rather interprets market activity and applies it fairly and uniformly across all properties.
Notices, Open Book, and Board of Review
Once the revaluation is complete, property owners will receive a Notice of Assessment showing their updated assessed value. These letters will be sent at the end of August 2026.
If you have questions about your assessment, you will have an opportunity to speak with the assessor during Open Book. Open Book is an informal meeting during which property owners may review and discuss their assessment.
If, after Open Book, you still disagree with your assessment, you may file an objection and appear before the Board of Review, which is the formal appeal process.
Information regarding Open Book and Board of Review dates, times, and procedures will be provided with your Notice of Assessment and posted by the Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a revaluation?
A revaluation is a process in which all properties in the Town are reviewed and assessed at current market value.
Why is the revaluation being conducted?
The revaluation is required because the Town’s assessments are no longer within the range required by Wisconsin law. Revaluation helps ensure that assessments are fair, current, and equitable across all property types.
Will this automatically increase my taxes?
No. A revaluation does not automatically increase the total amount of taxes levied. It updates property values so that the tax burden is distributed more fairly among property owners.
Do all assessments change by the same percentage?
No. Changes in assessment vary depending on factors such as location, property type, condition, age, and market activity.
2026 changes range on the following average:
Residential increased 55-60%
Commercial increased 40%
Vacant Land increased 75-80%
*There were many classification shifts of agricultural land that is no longer being farmed, which resulted in higher percentage changes.
If assessments increase, won’t taxes also increase?
Not necessarily. If the total assessed value in the Town increases, the mill rate is generally reduced accordingly, unless the total levy also increases.
Will my home or building be inspected?
The revaluation is primarily a market adjustment review. In most cases, interior inspections are not needed. If one is necessary, you will be contacted directly.
Will the appraiser tell me my new assessment during the visit?
No. Field appraisers collect data only. Final assessments are calculated later.
Can I refuse entry to my home?
Yes. In most cases, interior access is not required. However, property owners are encouraged to cooperate if additional information is needed.
How will I know the appraiser visited my property?
A door tag will be left if the appraiser visits your property and needs to leave information or request follow-up.
When will I receive my new assessment?
You will receive a Notice of Assessment by mail once the revaluation process is complete and the updated values are finalized.
What if I disagree with my new assessment?
You may first discuss it with the assessor during Open Book. If you still disagree, you may file a formal objection with the Board of Review.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about the revaluation process, please contact:
- Bowmar Appraisal, Inc. at 715-835-1141 or [email protected]
We appreciate your cooperation during this town-wide effort and your assistance in helping ensure a fair and equitable assessment process for all property owners.
Informational Video
For additional information, please view this revaluation video: