(Bannock County Assessor’s Office, July 31, 2026; Cover photo credit: Bannock County)
Fall is in the air! Hopefully it brings some cooler temperatures with it. August is often filled with last-minute family adventures before school begins, and before we know it, another year is quickly winding down.
For those of us in the Assessor’s Office, though, August marks the beginning of a new adventure. Once the Board of Equalization (BOE) is complete, we begin preparing our year-end abstract—a series of reports submitted to the County Auditor for budgeting purposes and to the Idaho State Tax Commission to ensure our values comply with state requirements.
The Idaho State Tax Commission also holds its annual Board of Equalization for centrally assessed (operating) properties, such as utilities and railroads. County assessors from across Idaho participate, either in person or by Zoom, to discuss our assessments, answer questions, and share concerns or successes from our counties. It’s a valuable opportunity for the Commission to better understand the unique challenges and accomplishments of counties throughout the state.
While we’re finishing one assessment year, we’re already preparing for the next. We are organizing field assignments for the 2027 assessment year and completing the final 20% of our current five-year review plan, with much of our work focused on the Pocatello area. At the same time, we’re developing our next five-year plan, continuing to review new construction throughout the county, and identifying properties that have recently been completed so they can be included on our occupancy roll later this year. In many ways, August simply starts the appraisal cycle all over again.
Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting on how much has changed during my years in the Assessor’s Office. When I started in the early 1980s, we were just beginning to use computers. Ownership changes were handwritten, reports were printed on green-bar paper, and everything was reviewed and audited by hand. Appraisers completed handwritten field sheets, and our office staff entered every change into the computer while also processing homeowner’s exemptions and what is now known as the Property Tax Reduction program.
Today, technology has transformed the way we work. Appraisers can update property information directly in our Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system, making the process more efficient than ever. While our office has changed over the years, our commitment to serving the public has remained the same.
Thinking back also reminds me of the many wonderful people I’ve had the privilege of working with, both in our office and throughout Bannock County. I started my career researching deeds by hand, then became a deed processor, a mobile home technician, and eventually took on new responsibilities as opportunities arose. Each step taught me something new, and I have always appreciated those who are willing to learn and grow. I see that same willingness in our team today, and it gives me confidence that our office is in good hands for years to come.
I could spend hours reminiscing, but I’ll simply say how grateful I am for the memories, the friendships, and the opportunity to serve this community.
As we welcome fall, I hope each of you has the chance to enjoy the Bannock County Fair, the Eastern Idaho State Fair, and the beautiful outdoors that make Idaho such a special place to call home.
Have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable fall!
~ Anita Hymas
Bannock County Assessor
