By March 1 of each year, the Appraiser’s Office must complete valuation of property and mailed notices to the public per state statute, County Appraiser Wendy Prosser told the County Commission Monday morning. 

However, “for 2021, Barton County did request and receive a 15-day extension,” she said. Therefore, the notices were being be mailed Monday. By Statute, the valuations are to be within 10% of the fair market value as of Jan. 1, of each year with the exception of land utilized for agricultural purposes. 

“It is important that real estate owners review their notices and look at the valuations as they receive them,” Prosser said. “At that time if you have any questions or concerns please contact our office to schedule an informal hearing.”

Under Kansas law, real estate owners have 30 days from the date of mailing to schedule an informal appeal. Prosser’s office will begin to hold those meetings on March 22 either in person or via telephone.

Also, she said Monday was the deadline for taxpayers to report their personal property. As a courtesy, Barton County sends out personal property worksheets at the beginning of each year to anyone who currently has personal property on the tax rolls.

“These worksheets are to assist owners in verifying what we currently have on file and assist with adding or deleting items off the rolls,” she said. Her office is then responsible for valuing the personal property according to guidelines set by the Kansas Department of Property Valuation and then notifying the owners of that valuation by May 1.

“Once the personal property notices are mailed, taxpayers have 15 days to review those values and call our office if they have any questions or concerns,” Prosser said.

“The number one priority in my office is to serve the taxpayers and citizens of Barton County by ensuring that both real estate and personal property valuations are set as fairly and equitably as possible by utilizing the laws and regulations set forth by the Kansas Constitution, Kansas State Statutes, and the guidelines set by the Kansas Property Valuation Division,” she said.