Board orders interior inspection after Goshen resident disputes 2025 assessment

The Elkhart County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals on July 14, 2026, voted to authorize an interior inspection after a Goshen property owner disputed the 2025 assessment for a parcel on County Road 19.

The petitioner described an unfinished upper level and two outbuildings in poor condition and said the structures would be demolished. The county's representative had provided photographs that, the county said, showed the property in "subaverage" to "poor" condition and noted the assessor's records listed the upper level as 100% finished.

The board member who moved to order the inspection instructed the assessor to arrange an interior visit within 30 days; the motion was seconded and carried on an oral vote. The county confirmed the property is listed as 3.01 acres in the legal description and falls within Goshen Schools.

During questioning, the resident described the upstairs as unfinished, saying, "It's not finished," and explained there are open studs and incomplete ceiling finishes. County staff confirmed some photographs appeared to show partial drywall but not a fully finished second floor.

The inspector visit will also include the two outbuildings, the county representative requested, so the assessor can evaluate whether they are unsafe and require demolition. The board and county staff discussed scheduling logistics; the assessor's office said inspections would be scheduled within usual business hours and two field staff would attend to verify finishes.

The hearing for this matter was adjourned after the board authorized the inspection and no further testimony was taken.

The board did not set a new assessed value at the hearing; the inspection and any follow-up evidence may affect a future determination or stipulation between the parties.