It’s that time – Reassessment.
There have been some interesting happenings concerning the assessor’s office and you, of which you need to be aware.
The state has mandated a reassessment starting in 2010. This process will take about two years. You will be paying taxes based on this assessment beginning in 2013. For those of you who have moved into our community since the last one, the reassessment means that the field people will be coming around to each address and checking to make sure that you are being assessed properly, i.e.: the number of bathrooms in your home, whether you have a basement, and if it is finished or unfinished, do you have a pool and if it is in ground or above ground, do you have structures besides your home on your property, etc.
We have fought long and hard to have our own people doing this rather than having the county spend millions on an outside firm with no idea what they are supposed to be looking for. Reluctantly the county council has agreed to have the reassessment done by our own field people. Some of you will remember, we are still trying to rectify mistakes made by CLT, a contractor hired by the state, in 2002.
The reassessment process will begin in July and should be completed by March 1, 2012. Every person coming from the St. John Township Assessor’s office will have identification, and as they will need to enter your home, be sure to check it. In the event that no one is home at the time a pink card will be left on the door with contact information so that we may try to schedule an appointment more at your convenience.
One frequently asked question is: “How do I appeal my assessment?” After the 2009, payable 2010 tax bills are received, the property owner has 45 days from the date stamped on the envelope to file an appeal. As you know we make an effort to correctly assess all property, but mistakes can happen. Assessments for 2009 are based on sales data adjusted to January 1, 2008. If you choose to file an appeal you will need evidence relevant to your true tax value.
Taxes are based on how much money the community needs top operate. Hopefully, residents of St John Township will see the tax bills remain approximately the same as last year.
All updates will be posted on this site, and likely in the next issue of the Schererville News.
As always, it is an honor and privilege to work with the property owners of St John Township as your elected representative in assessment matters. You can reach me through the contact form on this site, in the office at 219-365-2777 or through email at Hank_adams2000@yahoo.com.
We welcome your comments.