Eau Claire schedules 2027 property revaluation: key Sept 2026 dates
The City of Eau Claire has scheduled a citywide property revaluation for 2027, a state-law requirement meant to keep local property tax assessments fair and uniform. The City also says that for most property owners, there will be little to no impact this year.
Still, the City has posted the next resident checkpoints for the assessment cycle: Open Book and the Board of Review in September 2026.
Quick heads-up: Eau Claire’s September 2026 dates
- September 3: Assessment notices mailed for this year’s qualifying net new construction and condition changes.
- September 14–15: Open Book.
- September 22: Board of Review.
What a “property revaluation” changes (and what it doesn’t)
In Wisconsin/local practice, a revaluation means placing new values on taxable property for a new assessment. Those assessed values are used to help determine each property’s share of the overall tax levy.
But the City stresses an important caution for residents: a higher assessed value does not necessarily mean your property taxes will increase. Assessments determine each property’s share of the levy, while the final taxes paid depend on budgets and tax levies set by the various taxing jurisdictions—not solely on the assessor’s numbers.
The City’s assessment-process page also explains that assessments are required to be based on fair market value. In practice, the assessor estimates what a typical buyer would pay in the property’s present condition, using factors such as what similar properties are selling for, what it would cost to replace the property, and what rent it may earn.
And, as the City notes, the assessor is interpreting market conditions—not “creating” value from thin air.
Open Book vs. Board of Review: the practical difference
Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue describes the flow this way:
- Open Book: The assessment roll is open for examination, and you can informally discuss the property value with the local assessor. If the property value is changed at Open Book, the assessor corrects the assessment roll.
- Board of Review: If you’re not satisfied after Open Book, you can bring an appeal to the Board of Review. The Board schedules assessment appeals that require evidence proving the assessment is incorrect—and, if the Board agrees with your evidence, it can change the assessment.
For Eau Claire, the City’s assessment-process page describes the informal step as a time to come talk with an assessor so you can better understand how the assessment was made and what factors were considered—before you get to the formal Board of Review stage.
What evidence helps if you think your assessment is wrong?
The City’s resident guide is blunt about what matters at the review stage: your evidence has to be strong enough to show the assessor’s value is incorrect.
It also points to a clear hierarchy for evidence, including:
- Best evidence: a recent sale price of your property.
- Next best: recent sales of properties that are similar to yours.
- Why timing and match matter: closer in time and more similar in property type generally makes the evidence more persuasive.
Where to find official instructions and contacts
For Eau Claire-specific steps and guidance, start with:
- The City’s Assessment Process page (how assessments are set, what to expect, and how the appeal process works).
- The City’s Assessing division page for the revaluation-cycle context and updates.
- Wisconsin DOR’s Open Book/Board of Review Calendar for statewide explanations of what Open Book and Board of Review are—and what municipalities must hold.
Bottom line: a resident checklist for the 2027 cycle
- Mark your calendar: Sept. 3 (for some notices), Sept. 14–15 (Open Book), and Sept. 22 (Board of Review).
- Use Open Book to resolve questions early: ask how the assessment was made.
- Bring proof, not just concerns: focus on evidence that supports the fair market value you believe applies.
- Don’t assume the worst: an assessed value change doesn’t automatically equal a tax bill increase.
With the City working toward its 2027 citywide revaluation, these September 2026 dates are the most immediate points for residents who want to review and, if necessary, challenge an assessment.
Sources
- City of Eau Claire news release: Property revaluation for 2027 (posted resident dates)
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue: Open Book / Board of Review calendar (statewide context and requirements)
- WEAU: City of Eau Claire scheduling citywide property revaluation for 2027 (July 9, 2026)
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