At a recent county Assessors meeting, officials reviewed and approved several key budgetary changes, including adjustments to insurance funding and salary increases for employees. The board also discussed an ongoing appeal from Walmart, which seeks to significantly reduce its property valuation.
Budget Approval and Salary Adjustments
During the meeting, the board addressed concerns about the county’s health insurance, which operates under a partially self-funded model. After discussions, members agreed to lower the insurance budget from $90,000 to $81,000. Additionally, they approved a 5% salary increase for all employees, aligning with raises granted by the local school district and county supervisors.
The board also deliberated compensation for the Board of Review, which handles property tax appeals. A motion was passed to raise pay for board members by $10 per session, bringing the per diem rate to $185, with an additional $10 increase for the board clerk.
Walmart Property Tax Appeal
A significant portion of the meeting focused on Walmart’s appeal to reduce its property valuation from $11.6 million to approximately $6.2 million—nearly a 50% decrease. The county has commissioned an independent appraisal to assess the accuracy of the request.
“If the appraisal comes back higher than what we currently have, we’ll likely take the case to court,” one official noted. Walmart may also provide its own appraisal, which could lead to further disputes and legal proceedings.
Assessment Trends and Property Values
Conference Board Officials also reviewed the county’s recent skills ratio study, which showed a 10% increase in residential property values and a 20% increase for commercial properties. These rising values are expected to lead to an influx of property tax petitions and appeals. Agricultural land values also saw a slight increase, based on a five-year net income assessment model.
With these property value shifts, officials anticipate a busy season for the Board of Review, with an increase in informal reviews and potential court cases.
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with final discussions on budget allocations and preparations for upcoming property tax challenges. With multiple appeals, including Walmart’s case, officials are preparing for potential legal battles to ensure fair property valuations across the county.