County tax rolls grow by 9 percent County tax rolls grow by 9 percent (June 15, 2005)

A "much improved" residential real estate market has contributed to an estimated 8.75 percent increase in the San Mateo County property assessment roll for the 2005-06 tax year, says County Assessor Warren Slocum.

"This is an increase of over $9 billion and will result in approximately $90 million in increased property tax revenue for schools, the county, cities and special districts," he said in a June 9 report.

Property owners are receiving letters informing them of the new assessed value of their property. Most owners will be advised of a 2 percent increase, the limit under state law for properties that have not been sold or substantially improved.

This is a notice only. The actual bill will be mailed in the fall.

Property owners with questions or who wish to dispute the assessment may call a temporary telephone bank being set up to handle the inquiries at 286-2800. It will operate weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a scheduled start on June 13.

Information is also available on the assessor's Web site: www.smcare.org.

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