Banner County Board of Equalization sets July protest hearings, 10‑minute limit per parcel

The Banner County Board of Equalization voted to hold property protest hearings on Monday, July 13 at 8:30 a.m. and Monday, July 20 at 8:30 a.m., and set a 10‑minute time limit per parcel for testimony.

The board’s chair said the hearings will begin at 8:30 and that assessor staff will stack protests in 10‑minute intervals. A staff member from the assessor’s office noted that “protest forms are due in the assessor's office on or before June 30” and that hearings may be held on or after June 1 and on or before July 25.

Board members debated whether to set a strict five‑minute cap per parcel as in the prior year or to allow longer testimony; one commissioner recommended a compromise and suggested a 10‑minute maximum to balance thorough testimony with scheduling needs. After the discussion, the chair read the motion to set the dates and time limit; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call.

Assessor staff were directed to schedule protests as they come in, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and in 10‑minute intervals, and to prepare binders and supporting materials so commissioners can review protest packets ahead of the hearings. The board asked assessor staff to provide packets in advance so members will have time to review details before each hearing.

The action clarifies dates and the time allocation that will govern testimony at the county’s property valuation protest hearings. The board did not make any substantive rulings on property valuations at the meeting; hearings will be the venue for such determinations.