Assessor warns of large tax‑bill changes after reassessment; may seek state relief

Assessor Casey told the county board that Form 11 reassessment notices recently mailed have produced a surge of taxpayer contacts and that several statutory changes have increased tax burdens for some residents. "Our form elevens got mailed out on Thursday," Casey said, describing an immediate uptick in calls and concerns.

Casey said the state increased cost tables that affected ag districts and other property classes; she described particular concern around changes to the exemption for persons 65 and older and to disability‑related exemptions. "The 65 had around 18,000 come off their valuation before it got taxed," she said, and then described how recent changes reduced the credit to about $150 — a move she said would increase bills for many older or disabled residents who previously paid much less.

Casey explained the reassessment schedule and outreach: Rochester city was the only area reevaluated in this round; reassessment of Richland, Newcastle and Henry will start in May and run through October. She said the assessor's office will use mobile offices for appeal assistance and encouraged taxpayers to use those services.

On broader policy, Casey said she may contact legislators about repealing parts of the law that she and others view as having unintended consequences for vulnerable households. "I may be reaching out to see what we can do to request that to be repealed for the public side," she told the commissioners.

Why it matters: Reassessment and changes to exemptions can sharply change individual tax bills and may affect the county’s political and fiscal landscape. Casey's remarks flag potential demand for outreach, appeals and legislative action.

Commissioners thanked Casey for the briefing; no formal vote took place on legislative outreach during the meeting.