May 3, 2024 (Bannock County, May 2, 2024)
May is when we take a deep breath in our office and prepare for the assessment notices to go out. This year, notices must be in the mail on or before June 3, 2024. We are working hard to get values finalized and ready to mail before that deadline.
I will post more information as the values are finalized. We have a lot on our plate right now, so getting the values out on time will be challenging, but I’m confident my team will succeed.
Here are some of the items on our to-do list:
- Run reports that compare last year’s value to this year’s values and find any computer errors or large increases or decreases so that we can verify the accuracy of our assessed values.
- Input all exemptions in the computer, such as Homeowner, Nonprofit, Developer, and Personal Property Exemptions.
- Review procedures for the Board of Equalization and prepare to discuss with property owners about their assessed values.
- Confirm the accuracy of what is printed on the notices with our printing vendor.
We are still seeing some value increases this year due to property sales. As we have finished up the second year of our five-year appraisal plan, we’ve also seen increases in values for properties that had not been physically inspected in five years.
Values overall went up slightly. However, we did see some more significant increases in commercial properties, both improved and unimproved.
When talking to the public, the most common question I get is: “Instead of a great big increase, why don’t you raise values a little bit each year?” That is a great question, and the answer is: We do! We are adjusting values in small increments, and we still are below market value in some areas compared to what the sales are telling us. My hope is that while we raise values a little at a time, the market will decrease, and we will meet in the middle. This year, we are seeing sales level out to some degree but not decreasing yet.
My office is working on a synopsis of what to expect in assessment notices this year, so I encourage you to visit bannockcounty.gov/assessor towards the end of May to review that. I will also include it in next month’s newsletter.
Two last side notes:
Our DMV is getting a facelift! We are putting in new counters to make it easier for the public to sign documents, along with some HVAC and other building repairs. We will still be open for business during construction, so please excuse the mess.
Also, the May Primary Election is almost upon us. This is a very important election because it decides the candidate who will represent you in the November Election. As you may know, my Primary was a very close race and demonstrated the truth that every vote matters. I encourage you to get out on May 21st to support your candidate, or you can vote early at the Elections Office now until May 19th.
Enjoy your spring weather, and keep an eye out for your assessment notices!
Anita Hymas,
Bannock County Assessor
