Equalization Board begins session following reappraisal

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The Baxter County Equalization Board opens its session Tuesday for property owners wishing to contest their assessments following the completion of the five-year reappraisal process. That process led to about 15,000 notices being mailed in early July to those owners whose property values have increased.

Equalization Board Chairman Stuart Friend says Tuesday’s session will begin with the five members being sworn into office by County and Circuit Clerk Canda Reese.


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Friend says the board will learn on Tuesday the number of appointments that have been set.


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Friend says the board deals only with assessed values of properties not taxes. He says 15 to 20 percent of those who schedule an appointment with the board do not understand the information on the notice of reappraisal they have received.

He says in the past, the board was limited to three distinct reasons whereby assessments could be changed. However, the process is now different.


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Friend says the board’s role is not to protect the county.


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For those property owners who are not in agreement with the board’s decision, they may appeal to the county judge. Pending the outcome of a hearing with the county judge, they may appeal to the circuit court.

The other four members of the Baxter County Equalization Board are Kathy Bailey-Brackett, Jim Bodenhamer, Heather Crunkleton and James Madison.

Appointments with the Equalization Board may be made by calling 870-425-3475.

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