DRUMMING — It's truly spring when ruffed grouse are drumming constantly on their favorite log to attract hens for breeding. Here, a male struts to the sound of crunching leaves.--Staff Photo By KURT KRUEGER

Invasion of privacy?

By Kurt Krueger
News-Review Editor

Burglars and other would-be criminals will someday be able to access online the house floor plans of Wisconsin property owners, part of an assessment reform initiative.

The Department of Revenue (DOR) is making a case for an annual update of full market values so that property owners will no longer see tax bills that are based on outdated values.

The sweeping changes in how property is assessed would include a mandate that municipal assessors electronically file the full market value and characteristics for each property.

Today’s technology would then allow anyone with a computer to access the full description, which eventually will include a sketch of the house footprint and photos.

The reforms are scheduled to be phased in over a five-year period, though attempts to gather electronic data for Internet posting has already begun.

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