By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

Carol Hill, the assessor for Niles Township, has had a much less stressful beginning of March.
After inflation increased residential property assessments 4.4 percent last year, homeowners saw a 0.3 percent decrease in the rate of inflation this year.

What does this mean for residential property owners?

Most homeowners will see a dip in their property tax bills – albeit a small decrease.

“A couple of bucks,” Hill said. “Next to nothing.”

But that’s better than an increase, and Hill said Niles has never seen a drop in inflation.

“People are just happy it’s not up,” she said. “Call volume has been down. It’s been a pleasant year. I kind of needed it after all the calls I got last year with the huge increase.”

Hill credits the decrease to the decline in gas prices.

“I think that single-handedly did it,” she said.

Property owners who wish to dispute their assessments can take them before the board of review. In Niles Township, the board will meet today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Township Hall.

The board will meet in Niles today from 9 a.m. to noon and Tuesday from 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Complex, 1600 Silverbrook Ave.