Assessor

PROPERTY TAXES

The Assessor’s Office neither sets the tax rate nor raises taxes to cover municipal budgets. Our valuation process operates independently of the budget and taxation process. If you have questions about your tax bill, please contact the Treasurer's Office at 414-425-4770.

2026 PROPERTY ASSESSMENT UPDATE

2026 Assessment: Maintenance (see below)
Open Book Date: Spring 2026 (exact date TBD)
Board of Review Date: Spring/Summer 2026 (exact date TBD)

The Assessor's Office completed a city-wide revaluation in 2024 and a "maintenance year" in 2025. 2026 will once again be a maintenance year. During a maintenance year, property values remain the same unless property characteristics change, such as:

Permitted work (e.g., a new shed or remodel)
Corrections from a walkthrough
Property destruction (e.g., building tear-downs)

Notices of changed assessments will be mailed to properties with updated values. You will not receive a notice if your property value does not change. All 2026 property values and updated records will be available during Open Book, which gives property owners a chance to review their information and ask questions before values are finalized. If you still disagree with your value after Open Book, you may file a formal objection with the City Clerk and appear at the Board of Review—a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals and makes determinations based on testimony and evidence. Open Book will be held in Spring 2026 via phone or email. The Open Book Assessment Roll will be posted online during the Open Book period. If you are unable to view the values online, a print format will be available to view at Franklin City Hall during regular office hours. The Assessor's Office is closed for walk-ins; however, the Assessors will be available via email or phone to discuss values at any point prior to and during the Open Book period.

Click the above "Property Records" button to review your property record. If you notice inaccuracies, contact the Assessor’s Office at assessor@franklinwi.gov or 414-425-1416 for verification and corrections. As a reminder, the scope of the Assessor's Office is property valuation, not taxes. If your property's assessed value does not change during a maintenance year, any change in your December property taxes would be due to factors external to our office.

MISSION

The mission of the Assessor's Office is to accurately and equitably value all real estate in the City of Franklin in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes and the Wisconsin Property Assessment Manual. The assessment staff aims to work as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, while maintaining good customer service and a quality work product. The Assessor’s Office will stay informed of statute changes affecting the assessment process and will adapt accordingly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assessor’s Office is responsible for the valuation of all real property located within the City of Franklin for tax purposes. It is our responsibility to ensure fair and equitable assessments throughout the City. The Assessor’s Office will also maintain accurate and updated records by field-reviewing a percentage of properties each year. It is our intention to use the most advanced assessment software to achieve uniformity on a regular basis.

ASSESSMENT STAFF

The City of Franklin Assessor’s Office is contracted for its assessment services through Forward Appraisal, LLC, a professionally licensed assessment firm. All Assessor staff carry an official photo ID and their vehicle information is on file in the Assessor’s Office and the Police Department. Should you have any questions on the identification of a member of the Assessor staff, contact the Assessor’s Office at 414-425-1416 or Assessor@franklinwi.gov.

2024-2026 Assessment Services Agreement with Forward Appraisal, LLC
Forward Appraisal LLC RFP Proposal with Costs (2023)
Franklin Assessment and Revaluation Services RFP (2023)

OFFICE HOURS

The Assessor’s Office is currently closed for walk-ins. If you would like your property reviewed, please contact us at Assessor@franklinwi.gov or by phone at 414-425-1416 to set up an appointment.