Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Appraisal Of Visitors Center Approved By Commissioners
In a special commissioners meeting, the Kimball County Commissioners held a public hearing Tuesday for the 2022-23 Kimball County budget and a public hearing for the 2022-23 Final Property Tax Request.
During the public hearing comment period for the Kimball County budget, resident and local contractor Brian Johnson spoke to the commissioners. He said that he has “wanted to get more involved in government.”
He continued, “We need some way of reassessing homes – bring assessed values up.” But he said the taxes would be the same not increased.
Johnson explained that he was building a house at 709 Evergreen and estimated that he would price the home at around $475,000 to sell. The buyers would be paying significantly more taxes at that price than the neighbors because that house has a higher valuation. According to his plan, the county needs to raise the assessed values of homes and lower the percentage of taxes.
Kimball County Assessor Sherry Winstrom offered to meet with Johnson to explain the Nebraska state statutes and the assessment method for the state of Nebraska.
The meetings continued with the budget presentation by Kimball County Budget Officer Josi Morgan. She explained that $1.1 million was cut from the original requests, including increased revenues and transfers, changes for Interlocal Agreements were made, reduced operating expenses such as fuel and cost of repairs, adjusted wages, and allowing for an increase in accumulation in the Road Sinking fund.
Also discussed were equipment purchases and an increase in dispatch personnel. In addition, two hospital bonds were added this financial year.
The final tax request was $3,326,742, an increase of 2.38%.
Finally, the Kimball County Commissioners approved and authorized the chairman’s signature on an engagement letter with Brandt Appraisal Co. for an appraisal for the High Point Welcome Center of Western Nebraska.
According to the discussion, the cost for the appraisal will be $4,750 and be completed in 4-6 weeks. The commissioners are considering selling the building as an option. It will be closed for the season in October.