Scott County PVA reports population and assessed-value growth; warns of workload challenges

John Burke, Scott County’s Property Valuation Administrator, presented the county’s 2026 annual assessment report and warned that sustained growth will stress current staffing and processes.

Burke told the court Scott County’s population is approximately 63,900 and the county continues to be one of the state’s fastest-growing. Parcel counts have risen to 25,475 (an increase of 882 parcels in three years) and the county’s total assessed value for 2026 is nearly $9.5 billion. Burke broke out categories: residential value at about $5.3 billion (up 7.2% year over year), commercial near $2.0 billion (up about 8.7%), and farm-taxable parcels totaling roughly $556 million (up about 5.5%). He said vehicle values are projected at about $804 million and boats total about $175 million.

Burke explained Kentucky’s tiered appropriation thresholds (citing the relevant KRS sections) and said the Department of Revenue will send an appropriation letter based on total assessed value. He cautioned that as assessed-value tiers rise — and with limited PVA office staffing — the office will rely on technology (notably annual EagleView aerial flights) and process improvements to remain current. He noted assessment notices will be mailed at the end of the month, open inspection will run approximately 13 days and appeals to the Board of Assessment Appeals are typically scheduled 25–35 days after open inspection concludes.

Magistrates and staff thanked Burke and asked about individual review opportunities; Burke offered to meet with residents to walk through their numbers and explained the distinction between market-driven transfer increases and changes that result from reassessment.