Resident challenges appraisal; board asks assessor for neighborhood comparisons

At the July 7 meeting Barbara Clark raised a public complaint that her home’s assessment and resulting tax obligation were inconsistent with neighboring properties.

Clark said her home is valued in the transcript at $135,000 and noted a neighboring property was listed at $136,000 yet appeared to carry a different tax burden. She told the board she qualifies for disability exemptions and asked how assessments and exemptions were applied.

Mark (county assessor) and the county attorney responded that the assessor would provide a list of surrounding property assessments and tax figures for comparison. The attorney advised that, if the board or homeowner can show an irregularity in how assessments or exemptions were applied, the board could direct an appraisal or pursue adjustment procedures; however, the attorney said relief depends on the facts and documentation submitted.

Board members asked staff to supply the comparables and to follow up with the homeowner; no formal remedy or adjustment was made at the meeting. The board directed the assessor to deliver the requested data and for staff to consult with the homeowner about available appeal steps.

"If that's the case and there's $400 difference and everything else matches up, something's wrong with that," one supervisor said, urging staff to check for calculation or input errors.

No motion to adjust assessments was recorded; the matter was left for follow-up with the assessor and attorney.