Board approves lower valuation for floodplain parcel after owners' appeal

Franklin County's Board of Equalization on June 26 approved a reduced assessed value for parcel RP03467.03 after owners Bryan and Keri Povey said the property is in a floodplain and not buildable as assessed.

Bryan and Keri Povey appealed the parcel's $177,200 assessment and asked the board to lower it to $10,000, saying the land is in a flood zone and cannot be built on as currently configured. Chris Barton, Franklin County Assessor, told the board he had consulted the building inspector, who reported the parcel is in a flood plain and would require FEMA review and flood insurance before any building could occur. Barton recommended treating the tract as recreational land and valuing it at $17,000 per acre, producing a total assessed value of $61,370.

Commissioner Zan Bowles moved to adopt Barton's recommendation; Commissioner Zach Stewart seconded. The board voted unanimously to accept the assessor's valuation. The record shows the board then left the Board of Equalization and adjourned.

The assessor noted the Poveys may apply for an agricultural exemption between January 1 and April 15 if the property's use changes and qualifies. The building inspector, Randy Henrie, told the board that, because of its floodplain status, the parcel would need FEMA coordination and flood insurance prior to any development.

The decision replaces the previously recorded assessed value with the assessor's recommended valuation. The board did not record an alternative appraisal or order additional site work during the hearing. The meeting adjourned at 8:46 a.m.