I can hear you- and so can everyone else....

I'm tired, and cranky. Why you may ask? And why share this not exactly breaking news with the world? A one word response will sum it up- courtesy- or perhaps even more descriptive-the lack thereof.

We have all been kept awake at one time or another by a neighbor having a party. Fortunately, this usually occurs infrequently, they usually wind down by one or so -and usually take place on a weekend where you might be able to catch up on a little sleep. I however have a neighbor in the 500 block of SW13th street that likes to get the party going on weeknights- and usually around 3 or 4 AM. Who starts a party at that hour? Or is it just at that hour that they spill outside to share their revelry with the entire neighborhood?

How loud is it? Well, since it is summer and the house locked up tight to try and keep all the cool, and pricey, air conditioned air inside- and the fact that I live at least three houses and an alley away - and can still give you a word to word breakdown of the screamed conversations-pretty loud. Come on guys- I know when massive amounts of alcohol are involved ( I think a fairly safe bet in this case) that ones judgment may not be the best- but how much thought does it take to realize if you are outside (or your windows are open) at 4 AM partying at full volume- that you are going to be disturbing someone?- or more accurately - a lot of someones?

Maybe you guys work nights and are just getting home then- or maybe you don't work so can catch up on your sleep the next day - but - for the sake of those who have trouble functioning on two or three hours of sleep - can you please be considerate and move the party indoors next time? Since the sound carries so far in the still of the night I'm not exactly sure which household is the culprit here- but I'm sure if you read this you will recognize yourselves and hopefully remember this the next time you have a part on a school night.

I'd expand on how a good neighbor is a polite neighbor, but have run out of steam and need to go take a nap.

Ask Lori Parrish

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“It’s TRIM Time for Broward County Residents!”

Dear Lori:

My family is new to Florida. With the housing market still in decline, we now have many Broward cities looking to raise tax rates and fees in order to find new revenue. When does your office notify residents as to these rates, and when is the best time to discuss our valuations and exemptions?

M.W., Sunrise, FL (via email)

While the Property Appraiser’s Office does not set tax rates or collect taxes, we do mail over 758,000 “Truth-in-Millage” (TRIM) Notices of proposed 2011 property taxes to property owners during the month of August, on behalf of the various taxing authorities. The “TRIM” Notice or proposed property tax notice provides property owners with all their 2011 property tax assessment, exemptions, proposed tax amount and proposed tax rates for each governmental entity. These notices also inform property owners of their rights to both challenge their property assessment and to speak out at the various taxing authority budget hearings.

If you think the market value of your property is wrong – meaning you believe it does not reflect the true market value of your property on January 1, 2011 – please contact our office. If you think the tax rates are too high, you should contact the County Commission, School Board, City Commission and other taxing authorities listed on you TRIM (proposed tax) Notice. The TRIM Notice will include phone numbers for each taxing authority, as well as the schedule of budget public hearings.

If you believe the market value of your property is wrong the first thing you should do is to contact our office. One of our appraisers will be happy to speak with you, listen to your concerns, and discuss the data we used to reach the value. If you disagree with our determination, we will help you file an appeal petition directly with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) by the September 19, 2011 5:00PM deadline. All valuation petitions must be received by the VAB (115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 119, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301) by this deadline. You may also file a petition online with the VAB http://bcvab.broward.org/axiaweb2011. Contact the VAB directly at vab@broward.org or 954.357.7205.

You may also visit our office located in Room 111 of the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Avenue (just south of Broward Boulevard) in Fort Lauderdale to meet with a residential, commercial, or tangible personal property appraiser to discuss your assessment. If you are a qualified individual who needs a property tax exemption, a Customer Service Representative will assist you with filing for your exemptions. Our office is open weekdays from 7:00AM – 6:00PM. To better accommodate the schedules of working families, our office will be open on Saturday, August 27 and Saturday, September 17 (8:30AM-5:00PM).

Please remember the Property Appraiser does not set tax rates or collect your taxes. For further information on assessments, exemptions and the TRIM (proposed tax) Notice, please visit www.bcpa.net or call 954.357.6830. We are happy to assist you.

Sincerely,

Lori Parrish, CFA

If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. (8/11)

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. CFE
Community Outreach Specialist II
954.357.6871 – office
954.357.8474 – fax
954.445.5732 – cell

rwolfe@bcpa.net

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