Wichita Standard

Sedgwick County Appraiser Explains Increase in Property Valuations

In one week, on March 1, 2023, the Sedgwick County Appraiser’s Office will mail out valuations for property with a change in value or classification. On average, valuations are higher than years past, due to several factors. Sedgwick County Appraiser Mark Clark said a jump in inflation last year, paired with a hot housing market, drove up the value of many properties across Sedgwick County.

“My staff works hard to accurately determine the value of a home or business by comparing it to similar properties in the area,” said Mark Clark, Sedgwick County Appraiser. “Last year, sale prices were inflated and affected the value of neighboring homes.”

Appraisals are done annually to help determine the share of taxes each property owner must pay to cover the cost of government services in Sedgwick County, like police and fire protection, roads, parks and schools.

“Keep in mind, the Appraiser’s Office does not set the tax rate or collect money,” said Ronnie Tidwell, Chief Deputy Appraiser. “Our job is simply to figure out what each property is worth, based on fair market value.”

Appraisers consider many factors, including a property’s location, age, square footage and repairs/remodeling, when estimating its value. Residents who live in neighborhoods with a lot of new construction or renovations should expect to see increased property valuations.

If a property owner does not agree with an appraisal, there are two ways to appeal:

Within 30 days of receiving the valuation notice, the owner can fill out the appeals request form on the back and return it to the Sedgwick County Appraiser’s Office. An informal meeting over the phone will be scheduled, when the property owner will be given an explanation how the valuation was determined and can give reasons why the county’s appraisal amount should be different. The Appraiser’s Office will mail a decision of the appeal by May 20.

Property owners can also challenge an appraisal when the 2023 property taxes are paid under protest on Dec. 20, 2023, or May 10, 2024. A protest form from the Sedgwick County Treasurer’s Office must be filled out and filed with the tax payment so an informal meeting can be scheduled.

“A property valuation can only be appealed once per year,” said Clark. “But if the owner does not agree with the decision from the informal meeting, the case can be taken even further, all the way to district court. We want you to be satisfied!”

 For more information on property valuations and the appeals process, visit the Sedgwick County Appraiser’s Office website at sedgwickcounty.org.

Original source can be found here.