kt ~
When I read your post, I received a dose of humor that was well needed today....THANK YOU !
In some lights, it is just plain pitiful as it has been pointed out to actually be true, but humerous nonetheless.
I was rolling!

WW ~
Much like yourself, I too was hit with an appraisal of view. My house is on the west side of the Green Mountains along the east side of Champlain. I was told that I have a view so I must be assessed for that too. I argued the fact that the only view I have is that of a large, ugly rock formation to see across the lake. I am not a rock climber, so the rock bears no intrigue. I am not an archeologist, so it offers no desire to examine the monument for artifacts.
It sits in the way of what could be a nice view, but I have no way of telling for it blocks any view I might have....NO SALE !

On another piece of property located across the small town road from my house, I have a 1895 ca. built ice house - now used as a small barn.
the town had an appraiser come in from Stowe VT some years ago, when the state thought they new what they were doing...the first time! To balance the town appraisals state wide, they had ridiculous appraisals being made across the board.
This open grass lot (with a few trees), was assessed for a driveway, running water, power, and of course the barn.

I argued ALOT during the appeal process. You'll love this! I was told you must enter the lot to access your barn, hence a driveway. You have a river at the back edge of your lot, so you have running water. CVPS (Central Vermont Public Service) power lines, and Verizon Telephone lines run thru your lot, so you have power in your yard. Your barn is x feet by x feet, so it is worth x dollars.

Bottom line is that a neighbor had built a barn/garage nearly the same size in 1995+/-. Nearly 100 years newer than mine, my assessment was for some $10000.00 more than his was! He has actual electricity in his barn, he has windows - thermal pane, he has a view of the lake from his garage, and he has a driveway. GO FIGURE!

This assessment was back in 1995 time frame, and I am still fighting with the town to recognize that the current assessments were based on erroneous information cited by appraisers that had NO clue way back when. Honestly...it is pathetic.

So kt, ....as taxes are coming due by October 5th again, your dam story was a sure an enjoyable laugh!
I think we should all enjoy some dam beaver (story) now and again!

- Willie H

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