TOWN OF HORNBY SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING MAY 3, 2026
A special meeting of the Hornby Town Board was called to discuss a re-valuation project and to vote on the re-valuation project only. In attendance were Supervisor Justin Eberlin, Councilmembers Hazel Russell, Steve Reed, Rebecca Litz, and Town Clerk Pam Smith. Shannon Eberlin also attended the meeting.
The Town Board meeting was opened at 1:30 pm by Supervisor Eberlin.
The legal notice as published in The Leader was read by Supervisor Eberlin.
The assessors stated to Supervisor Eberlin after the April town board meeting that they will not do a re-valuation project this year, regardless of what the town board votes at this special meeting.
Supervisor Eberlin made the following statement:
“I want to make the community aware that, although the town assessor has decided not to proceed with the 2026 town reevaluation due to not having full approval from the town board, I still believe it is important to have open discussions on this matter. Decisions of this magnitude should not be made hastily or without thorough consideration.”
The Supervisor then read a statement from Councilmember John Hale, who could not attend the meeting:
“I think we should not do a reevaluation this year. I think we should wait until next year to see where the equalization rate is and go from there.”
The Town Board discussed the potential re-valuation and how equalization rates are calculated. They also discussed educating residents as to why a re-valuation is done.
No vote was taken because a councilmember was not present and the assessor is not going to do the project this year regardless of the results of the vote.
Supervisor Eberlin stated that the market trend shows housing prices are decreasing.
Supervisor Eberlin made a second statement as follows:
“I believe it is in the best interest of our community to postpone the Town reassessment of property taxes until 2027. My decision is based on the current housing market trends in Steuben County and the importance of gaining support from our town taxpayers.
I feel it is essential to use the remainder of 2026 to focus on educating residents and providing clear notice about the upcoming reassessment. Ensuring transparency and community involvement is a top priority.”
MOTION by Russell, seconded by Reed, to adjourn the meeting at 1:35pm.
Vote: Eberlin – aye, Russell – aye, Litz – aye, Reed – aye, Hale – not present.
Pamela A. Smith
Hornby Town Clerk