Benton County assessor explains reappraisal timeline, certified rate and tax calculations
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Summary
Property assessor Ryan Hall summarized the county'wide reappraisal process, explained how taxpayers can calculate their property bills, and noted available senior and low-income relief and payment plans.
Ryan Hall, Benton County's property assessor, told commissioners and the public that the county mailed reappraisal notices in March and completed the local appeal process in June, ahead of several neighboring counties that mailed later. Hall said the earlier mailing gave taxpayers more time to review assessments and use the appeals process.
Hall explained how taxpayers can estimate their property-tax bills after the reappraisal and the commission's decision to use the state'certified, revenue-neutral tax rate. "Assessment divided by 100," Hall said, explaining the calculation method for residential properties, then multiply by the relevant tax rate. He provided the county certified rate as 1.7066 and said the city of Camden's rate would drop to 0.6343 and the city of Big Sandy's rate to 0.6108 in the adopted structure.
Hall emphasized that the certified rate is intended to keep total government revenues consistent with prior years even though individual parcels may show higher or lower bills after a mass reappraisal. "The certified tax rate brings into the government entities the same revenue as we had at our previous tax rates," Hall said.
Hall also highlighted taxpayer assistance and timing: - Low-income senior tax relief: Hall said the program administered by the trustee's office increased the maximum net household income threshold to $37,530 this year (net household income, not gross). He encouraged eligible residents to contact the trustee's office to apply. - Payment plans: Hall said the trustee's office can set up monthly payment plans to help taxpayers spread payments due in the October bill.
Hall told commissioners that, based on the most recent deed activity he processes, about 85% to 90% of recent sales still exceed the new reappraisal values, which he said suggested the reappraisal values were broadly in line with market trends.
Hall closed by thanking staff, department heads and the commission for their work on the reappraisal and said he was available for follow-up questions.
Context: Hall's presentation preceded the commission's vote to adopt the certified rate and the appropriation resolution. His remarks were intended as guidance to taxpayers and as an explanation of the reappraisal and appeals timeline.
