Summerset board affirms 2025 property valuations, reduces one home’s assessed value on appeal

SUMMERSET, S.D. — The City of Summerset Local Board of Equalization on March 17 reviewed the city'wide 2025 real estate valuations, heard several property assessment appeals and accepted one change recommended by the director of equalization.

Senior administrator Lisa opened the local board meeting with an overview of the city's valuation changes, saying the total city real estate valuation rose from about $376 million in 2024 to $391,939,808 in 2025, an increase she described as "about $15,000,000". Lisa also reported mobile-home valuations rose slightly from $3,271,041 in 2024 to $3,271,390 in 2025.

The board spent the bulk of its time on property appeals. For 6855 Townwood Street the director of equalization recommended lowering the house assessment from $319,713 to $303,727; the board voted to accept that recommendation. At 9990 Alum Court the board heard from the property owner, who disputed some comparables, and the director's site visit recommendation of no change was adopted. A later appeal by Russell and Laura Kenmore drew extended discussion about comparables, lot differences and neighborhood sales; that item was discussed at length in the meeting record provided but no final decision was recorded in the available transcript.

Lisa also briefed the board on the appeals process and next steps: appellants must submit a PT-17 appeal form in writing, county-level appeals must be received or postmarked to the county auditor by April 1, and the county board must issue a final decision by May 2. She told the board she would notify appellants in writing after the board's decisions and that appellants may further appeal to the county board, the Office of Hearing Examiners or circuit court.

The board and several homeowners questioned the choice of comparables used by the director's appraiser, noting the limited supply of single-story (one-level) homes in some neighborhoods and the use of sales from 2023 in some comparables for a 2025 assessment. Homeowners also raised property-specific concerns such as driveways, garage size, proximity to a creek and potential foundation issues; the board noted those items as relevant when professional appraisals or additional comparables are provided.

The meeting record shows the board discussed recent legislation, Senate Bill 216, which Lisa summarized as including provisions such as a 3% cap on annual assessment increases for owner-occupied homes (for a limited period), exemptions for some home improvements from taxable-value calculations, expansions of eligibility for tax freezes for elderly and disabled homeowners, and limits on how new construction affects certain tax district or school capital levies. Lisa said many details would take effect July 1 and that staff would circulate more complete guidance when available.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to accept director of equalization recommendation for 6855 Townwood Street: change house assessment from $319,713 to $303,727 — approved (all in favor).

- Motion to assess 9990 Alum Court as recommended (no change): approved (all in favor).

- Other procedural motions: agenda approval and motion to convene as the local board of equalization — both approved.

The board indicated it will send written notices to appellants following the meeting with instructions for further appeals; staff also said it will provide additional guidance on SB 216 and how the new law may affect future assessments.