2025 Webinar Series: Volume 9

Session 1 – 10:00 AM

Title: Use of Equalization Rate vs. Residential Assessment Ratio (RAR) in SCAR Proceedings

Presenters:

Patrick L. Seely, Jr., Esq. – Partner, Hacker Murphy LLP (Albany, NY)

Cathy L. Drobny, Esq. – Hacker Murphy LLP

Overview:

Attorneys Patrick Seely and Cathy Drobny will discuss a recent Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) case that permitted the use of the state equalization rate instead of the Residential Assessment Ratio (RAR) when determining full market value. The presentation will review the legal foundation for this decision, key statutory references, and its potential impact on both assessors and petitioners in future proceedings.

 Key Topics:

Overview of RPTL §730 and its interpretation in SCAR

Equalization rate vs. RAR — legal distinctions and practical effects

Recent case law analysis

Implications for municipalities, homeowners, and hearing officers

Best practices for defending SCAR cases

 Session 2 – 10:30 AM

Title: See Every Parcel Clearly: How Street-Level Imagery is Accelerating CAMA Modernization

Presenters:

Jackson Adams –  Manager, Northeast US, NCTech

Ben Holmes – Senior Solutions Engineer, NCTech

Overview:

Modern assessing offices are expected to do more with fewer resources. Jackson Adams and Ben Holmes from NCTech will demonstrate how high-definition street-level imagery and 3D mapping tools can transform the assessment process by improving accuracy, transparency, and efficiency while reducing fieldwork time and cost.

Learning Points:

Integrating 3D and ground-level imagery with aerial and GIS data

Improving parcel review workflows and defensibility

Case studies from assessing jurisdictions

Best practices for implementation