In the next few days, property owners in Campbell County will receive a letter in the mail titled “Assessment Changer Notice,” said Brandon Partin, Property Assessor, this is not a TAX BILL!! It reflects the market value of a property as determined during the county-wide revaluation program. This program is mandated by state statutes requiring periodic reappraisal.
The Property Assessor and his staff will be available to discuss the new appraisals with property owners who have questions or who disagree with their new values. Property owners still have disagreement with the new appraisal after meeting with the assessor’s office may appeal to the County Board of Equalization.
The County Board of Equalization will meet beginning on June 3, 2024, to allow property owners who disagree with the new appraisal an opportunity to offer evidence supporting what they believe the actual value of their property to be. Property owners still dissatisfied with their appraisal after meeting with the County Board of Equalization may then appeal to the State Board of Equalization.
Property taxes are determined by applying the local tax rate to the assessment of each property, the tax rate is determined by each county and city governing body based on its budgetary needs.
State law requires that, in the year of reappraisal, each taxing jurisdiction must establish a tax rate referred to as the “Certified Tax Rate,” which will generate the same total revenue as the previous year, thereby preventing governments from increasing revenues during a reappraisal. The local governing body may, however, pass a tax increase by adopting a tax rate higher than the certified rate, but a public hearing must be held with the advertised intent of exceeding the certified rate in order to do so.
Property owners with agricultural, farm or open space land may be eligible for relief under what is commonly called the Greenbelt Law. This law allows certain land to be taxed based on its present use instead of the market value. The “Use Value” appraisal will usually be less than the “Market Value” appraisal. Property owners should contact the Property Assessor’s office for filling out a “Greenbelt” application.
State law provides for property tax relief to certain homeowners age 65 or older, certain permanently and totally disabled homeowners and certain disabled veterans. Property owners should contact the county trustee or city collecting official for details on the Property Tax Relief Program.
