Solano County agents push back on over-assessments — and the assessor acknowledged the problem

Solano County Assessor-Recorder Glenn Zook attended a recent Solano Association of Realtors meeting and got an earful.

Agents raised a recurring complaint: the assessor’s office is valuing properties — particularly in Vallejo — at figures significantly higher than what the market will actually support. One agent described a specific multi-unit property on Florida Street where the assessed value came in so far above market that the owner is selling primarily because the tax burden has become unmanageable. Zook acknowledged his team has documented difficulty accessing MLS data, which is the primary tool agents use to establish market value. He said comps should drive assessments and invited agents with specific cases to contact him directly.

That’s a real concession worth noting. Zook gave out his personal contact information and said he’d look into individual cases — not a standard bureaucratic response.

The numbers behind the complaints

Some context from public records: as of the close of the 2025–26 assessment roll, more than 700 active assessment appeals are pending in Solano County, representing over $3 billion in property value potentially subject to reduction. The county also noted that the Valero plant closure is expected to further impact overall assessed values. That’s a significant backlog, and it suggests the over-assessment complaints aren’t isolated.

The FY2025-26 assessment roll reached $77.96 billion, up nearly $4 billion from the prior year — the 14th consecutive year of growth. The roll goes up; appeals are piling up alongside it.

The roll goes up; appeals are piling up alongside it.

If you think your property is over-assessed

There are two tracks. The informal track is a one-page form submitted directly to the assessor’s office — include your estimated value and any comps that support it. Zook said most cases get resolved at this stage. Formal appeals and Proposition 8 reassessment requests must be submitted between July 1 and November 30 — the filing window opened July 1. The formal appeal carries a $35 non-refundable fee per parcel, and you’re required to continue paying your taxes while the appeal is pending.

The informal route is faster and free. Start there. If you have a specific property where the number seems disconnected from reality, Zook’s office is at (707) 784-6210 or assessor@solanocounty.gov.