When property valuation change postcards hit Scotts Bluff County mailboxes later this spring, it should come as no surprise to homeowners that valuations for houses are up, but the percentage increase might be a different matter.
As County Commissioners set valuation protest dates for July 18-22, they also discussed expected changes in valuations with Assessor Angela Dillman.
Dillman said the hot housing market is now having an impact, specifically on dwellings. “No one likes a lot of change, but unfortunately, we don’t set the market, we follow the market, and we have to be between 92 and 100% of (market value for) commercial and residential properties. If we’re not, they (the state Tax Equalization and Review Committee – TERC) will come do it,” said Dillman. “So, I work with my state liason…. to do what we have to do. And they (TERC) have the last month to basically make sure I did what I needed to do.”
Residential Valuation Percentage Changes to Keep Scotts Bluff Co. in Compliance:
- Gering – up 7%
- Scottsbluff and Morrill – up 10%
- Mitchell – up 13%
- Minatare – up 15%
- Rural residential increases between 3 and 5%
- Lake properties were reappraised and values updated accordingly
No valuation changes are anticipated for commercial properties, nor for grass and non-irrigated farm ground, and irrigated land is expected to see a five percent drop in price per acre valuation. All percent increases applied to the dwelling only, as outbuildings and land values were not adjusted.
Dillman said the changes are subject revision, depending on the outcome of statewide equalization hearings yet to be conducted by TERC.
