Property valuation notices could change

A bill that would clarify the property valuation process was discussed in a Revenue Committee hearing Jan. 19.

York Sen. Greg Adams said he introduced LB822 on behalf of county assessors seeking to avoid confusion among property owners.

Currently, when a property is assessed at a value different than the previous year, the county assessor must notify the property owner. The old and new assessed values, dates to file a protest and the median value of all property in the county are included in the notice.

LB822 would eliminate the inclusion of the median value from personal notices. Under the bill, the value would continue to be provided by the assessor’s office and to local media.

“Listing the median value creates confusion for taxpayers,” Adams said.

Marilyn Hladky, representing the Nebraska Association of County Assessors, testified in support of the bill. She explained that the median value listed in the notice has been a frequent point of contention for taxpayers.

“Some homeowners who are assessed above the listed median value feel their valuation should be lowered to meet the median,” she said.

No one testified in opposition to the bill and no immediate action was taken.