Assessor’s Office working overtime explaining property assessment debacle

Friday was the last day to the assessed value of property in Bannock County, and the Assessor’s Office was busy with people who upset over their property assessments.

The Assessor’s Office has faced harsh criticism over the past few weeks, but they’re working hard. As most people are out of their office for the holiday weekend, some employees are working a 14-hour day; many of them are exhausted.

Their biggest challenge at this time is explaining the complexities for why residents’ property assessments increased to each person who walks through the door. Some people are outraged and the office has had law enforcement inside in case angered residents get out of control.

Though many people are upset and confused by their assessments, assessors say many people don’t realize that it’s not the fault of anyone at the Assessor’s Office, but rather the nature of the market in Idaho, specifically Bannock County.

“The biggest worry people have is they look at the percentage increase in value, and they relate it right to the increase in taxes and that’s probably the myth that we’re having the hardest time dispelling,” said real estate appraiser, Darcy Maag.

Many are also concerned that the tax levy won’t go down with the increase in property tax. However, it has decreased substantially since last year in Bannock County. The statistics can be viewed on the state website by clicking HERE.

The Assessor’s Office also wants everyone to know that they will call everyone back and explain for the increase. Even those who were not able to get to the Assessor’s Office can still contact them in the coming weeks regarding mistakes or other incorrect information. There number is (208) 236-7260.