Commercial property owners in Guthrie County will soon receive the 2013 property assessment notice for their place of business.  These notices are intended to inform property owners of the estimated market value of their property and Guthrie County Assessor Forrest Pearson points out these values should not be confused with taxable value or the tax bill.

Over the last two years, Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. of Cedar Rapids reappraised all commercial and industrial classes of property in the county.  The reappraisals were conducted with the intention to equalize assessed values, since not all properties decrease or increase at the same rate.  A sales analysis and a review of the information collected were conducted before the values were finalized.

Beginning in April, property owners will have an opportunity to meet with representatives of Vanguard and will be given an opportunity to submit any information that may affect the estimate of market value of their property.  Property owners who disagree with the new values should be prepared to present evidence to support that estimate Pearson added.

Pearson would like to make property owners aware that if they wish to meet with a representative of Vanguard, they must request an appointment by calling the County Assessor’s Office prior to March 25.  Property owners will also have an opportunity to protest the new assessed value by submitting a written protest to the Board of Review between April 15 and May 5.

For more information, contact the Guthrie County Assessor at 641-747-3319.