Meade County equalization office readies local boards after assessment notices; appeals expected

Ria Crane, Meade County director of equalization, told commissioners that assessment notices have been mailed and the equalization office has been busy fielding taxpayer questions.

"Assessment notices have been received. Last few days have been very busy in the equalization office. Lots of people coming in questioning assessments," Crane said, and noted local boards of equalization are scheduled next Monday. As of the meeting, Crane said she knew of appeals filed in Sturgis and Somerset and that townships also have until Thursday to submit appeals to the county.

Crane said the office had one known appeal in Somerset and one recommendation filed in Sturgis as of the previous day, but more appeal forms have been handed out and the county expects additional filings. She said staff will also perform inspections where appropriate to determine whether adjustments are warranted.

Crane warned commissioners that a flurry of legislative changes this year has made implementation challenging: "So much legislation this year. Holy buckets. It's been a lot to keep up with." She asked commissioners to anticipate that the county might need more time than the scheduled April 8 afternoon for board hearings and that staff will coordinate schedules if additional days are required.

The equalization office asked commissioners and township officials to note the Thursday filing deadline for township submissions and to expect that the number of appeals may rise as property owners review assessment notices.