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Parke County assessor clarifies property-access rules, proposes imagery tools during reassessment
Summary
The county assessor told commissioners and the public that a recent law change restricts unannounced assessor entry to appeal situations; staff will knock, leave if no answer and consider Pictometry imagery to reduce doorstep confrontations. Form 11 notices will be mailed April 28.
The Parke County assessor addressed public concerns about reassessment fieldwork and clarified how a recent state law change affects assessor entry onto private property.
Introducing Nexus Group field staff, the assessor said, “This is Mike Bridal and Gretchen Girdler. They’re both with Nexus Group,” and explained the firm is performing reassessment work in Mecca. Responding to a social-media post about field staff measuring on a resident’s deck, the assessor said the county will issue badges and be mindful of homeowner concerns.
On the legal standard for entry, the assessor said, “The law says that we can go on to the property. It’s only in an appeal... That has been changed... we cannot do that unless we have the homeowner’s permission.” She added staff will knock and make their presence known; if no one answers, they will perform exterior checks and leave.
To reduce confrontations and improve accuracy, the assessor said she will investigate Pictometry, a high-resolution aerial imagery product with a "change finder" function that can compare previous-year and current-year images to flag potential changes that merit follow-up. She said she would review pricing and report back to commissioners.
The assessor also noted Form 11 mailings will be sent beginning April 28 and credited staff work that reduced an initially projected 82% increase in one town’s ratio study down to roughly 10% after reanalysis.
County officials asked staff to pursue clearer homeowner notifications and consider inexpensive door-hanger or mailed notices if budget permits.
