Revaluation -- what does this mean to me?
The state recently mandated the revaluation of homes. The last time revaluation was done was in 1999 and homes have appreciated in value since then. We are in the second year of a five year phase in of the revaluation. As the assessed values go up, the mill rate goes down. The mill rate is divided by 1,000 and then multiplied times your home's assessed value to determine your home's property taxes.

Some people have expressed concern that as we face a nationwide housing market slump, the valuation of their homes may be higher than it should be. The town is keeping an eye on the market and so far, housing prices in West Hartford have not declined. Additionally, even if the housing market causes housing prices to decline and another valuation were done, that would mean that everyone's assessed home value would drop and the mill rate would have to go up to offset the drop in assessed values. Since the town would still be funding the same budget, it would likely not mean your actual property taxes would decline.

As a result of the phase in of the revaluation of homes, the impact of the 2008-09 town budget will affect everyone's property tax differently. The town has created an easy way for you to find out what the proposed budget means to you personally. The town's Web site has a comparison of what your tax bill was for 2007-08 compared to what it would be with the approved town budget. Please note that since the mill rate has gone down, your property tax for your motor vehicles will go down, as long as you have the same cars that you had last year. This tax calculator does not include the change in your motor vehicle tax.

• Click here to see your projected tax bill