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Scott County officials describe data, imagery and staff efforts that keep property valuations within state standards
Summary
County assessing staff told commissioners they rely on automated reports, mobile data collection and high-resolution imagery to maintain valuation accuracy and avoid state board adjustments, and said AI could expand predictive reviews pending licensing and back-testing.
County assessing staff briefed commissioners on the department's methods for keeping property valuations accurate and consistent with Minnesota Department of Revenue standards, saying technology and experienced assessors have helped the county avoid state board adjustments.
Michael Thompson, property and taxation services manager, said the county uses automated error reports and predictive checks so it can "predict exactly, what the Department of Revenue's reports will be after we submit our information." He told the board Scott County has not had a Minnesota State Board of Equalization order since 2006 and that the county works to avoid state intervention because such orders can remove some appeal rights for taxpayers.
Deputy County Assessor Christian Howski and other staff described tools that reduced the need for on-site inspections. "We contract for [high-resolution street-level imagery] every five years," Howski said, and staff combine aerial planimetric data, mobile devices and permitting records to run alternative reviews required under state rules. Appraisers also have MLS access to review listing photos for condition, though Thompson noted the county cannot save those MLS photos into its systems.
Panelists said internal quality controls have increased. The office's internal error-reporting grew from roughly the mid-30s to the low-60s in recent cycles as staff add checks for anomalies across about 64,000 parcels. "One of the things we keep doing is anytime we identify a potential thing that could pop up ... we create an error report to make sure that we're always improving," Howski said.
On staffing, Jeff Smotish, the county's employee relations director, asked how the department attracts and retains accredited assessors. Thompson credited flexibility, work-life balance and professional development for retention and said Scott County is "competitive" even if it does not pay the highest salaries. Howski added that hiring staff who previously worked for software vendors has helped the office query and improve data products.
Panelists also discussed emerging technology. Thompson said AI and predictive modeling "is gonna revolutionize what we do" for evaluations and customer service but emphasized any AI-derived values would require licensing, back-testing and confidence-building before being used in official valuations.
The presentation closed with staff describing outreach and training designed to make appeal interactions constructive; Thompson said the office asks appellants whether they felt the process was fair and tries to give taxpayers comparable sales and timelines that explain valuation decisions.
