Door-to-door inspections starting in Howard County on Sept. 1

HOWARD COUNTY - Assessor Lori Kerian is announcing that door-to-door inspections of all commercial, industrial and multi-residential properties in Howard County will begin approximately Sept. 1. 

A reappraisal project was approved by the Conference Board in February 2019.

Representatives of Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. in conjunction with the Howard County Assessor’s Office will be conducting this project.

The purpose of the reappraisal program is to equalize property assessments so that each taxpayer is responsible for paying only his/her fair share of the property tax burden. Periodic inspections and reappraisal of properties is necessary as all types of properties do not increase or decrease in value at the same rate. 

Some properties physically deteriorate faster than others, and in many instances similar properties located in different areas of the county will differ greatly in value due to economic factors.

Data collectors with photo ID signed by the assessor will make interior and exterior inspections of all commercial and industrial properties. They will be compiling information to be used to estimate the fair market value of each property. Information to be collected includes type of construction, type of interior finish, physical condition of the property, age of structures and exterior measurements. 

A complete sales analysis, local construction costs and economic conditions are also considered. No estimate of value will be given at the time of inspection.

Property owners are asked to cooperate by allowing a complete inspection of their property and providing accurate information so that a fair and equitable assessment may be determined for each property.

The preliminary data collection process will begin in September 2021. The project is scheduled for completion by Dec. 31, 2022.

Notice of final value estimates will be mailed to each property owner after Jan. 1, 2023. The property owners will have an opportunity to meet informally to discuss their revaluation that spring.

The new assessed values will be effective for Jan. 1, 2023 for taxes payable in fiscal 2024-2025.

All law enforcement agencies as well as the Howard County Assessor’s Office will be apprised of the areas where data collectors are working. They will also have a listing of all names and license plate numbers of everyone involved in the project.

If any property owner has questions regarding the reappraisal project, they are urged to contact the Howard County Assessor’s Office at 563-547-9201 or e-mail lorik@howard county.iowa.gov.