Appraiser Cammy Brown defends valuation of fourplex properties in recent hearing

Bannock County property owners will face a significant challenge as the Bannock County Board of Equalization upheld the assessed values of several fourplex properties during their meeting on July 3, 2025. The board's decision came after a detailed discussion regarding the valuation process and the availability of comparable sales data.

The meeting featured an appeal from a property owner who argued that the assessed value of his fourplexes had increased by 19% year-over-year, despite a lack of comparable sales in the area. He highlighted discrepancies in the valuation process, particularly concerning a recent sale of two fourplexes on Dillon Street, which he believed had been misrepresented as a single property sale. The appellant provided two recent comparable sales from 2025, which he argued were more aligned with his properties in terms of age and condition.

In response, Cammy Brown, a residential appraiser from the assessor's office, defended the current valuations. She noted that the office had access to a sufficient number of comparable sales—15 fourplexes sold in the past year—allowing for a robust mass appraisal process. Brown emphasized that the assessed values were consistent with the market, citing that the appellant's properties were undervalued compared to similar properties.

After thorough deliberation, the board ultimately decided to uphold the assessor's values, which placed the appellant's properties at approximately $692,873. The board acknowledged the complexities involved in valuing fourplexes and the challenges posed by the limited availability of comparable sales.

The decision means that property owners in Bannock County must prepare for the implications of these assessments, which could affect property taxes and future market valuations. The appellant was informed of his right to appeal the decision through the district court or the state board of appeals, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by property owners in navigating the assessment process.