Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Rate Vs Value topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Officials: higher assessed values do not automatically mean bigger tax bills
Summary
County officials and the tax administrator emphasized that reassessment of property values is separate from the tax rate set by commissioners, and a sales-ratio number does not directly translate into a uniform percentage increase in tax bills.
Chair and task force members repeatedly cautioned residents that a higher assessed value is not the same as a higher tax bill. The chair said, "It doesn't actually change your tax bill," explaining that commissioners set the rate that determines bills after reassessments.
Tax Administrator Travis Isaacs reiterated that the appraisal process sets values and the board later determines the tax rate to meet revenue needs. "We always look at what each neighborhood...what we try to spread that burden of the tax base out," he said, adding that staff will try to make values defensible and resolve data issues during appeals so commissioners have accurate information when setting rates.
The task force discussed that some residents misread a media report as implying a uniform 22% increase; members urged clearer public messaging and outreach before notices are mailed.
