Board directs staff to issue RFP for commercial and industrial property revaluation

Meriwether County’s chief appraiser told commissioners April 13 that Bethesda’s recent work left the commercial reevaluation incomplete and recommended a full countywide commercial and industrial revaluation. The chief appraiser estimated the full revaluation would range between $700,000 and $1 million and suggested phasing the work over a three‑year cycle to match Department of Revenue requirements.

Chief appraiser William Harris explained the difference between a flyover (which identifies structures) and a parcel‑by‑parcel revaluation that includes photographs and remeasurement. "A flyover identifies that there's a [building] out there," he said, "but it doesn't give me the cost of that building," noting the need to align cost tables and to reduce longstanding inconsistencies in the digest.

Commissioners and staff discussed whether the likely additional revenue generated by revaluation would justify the upfront cost and whether recent state legislation (House Bill 581) would affect timing and implementation. Several commissioners recommended moving forward first on commercial and industrial parcels—where under‑valuation is likely—while deferring residential revaluation until the effect of state law changes is clear.

Action and next steps: the board approved a motion to issue an RFP for a countywide commercial and industrial reevaluation and to return with bids and options for phased implementation. Staff was directed to provide cost‑benefit information, potential revenue impacts and a recommended schedule when bids are received.