Weather, other factors delay annual property tax meetings

Rock County residents need to wait an extra month for their annual property evaluation and classification notices to arrive in the mail.
“It’s a combination of a perfect storm,” said Land Records Director Tom Houselog.
A March 6 letter to township and city officials explained the reasons for the delay and to reschedule the individual Board of Appeal and Equalization meetings. Instead of April, the meetings begin the first week in May.
“The main reason has been the inclement, severe, harsh (you insert your word) winter weather that we all have experienced this year,” Houselog wrote.
The weather delayed property reviews and caused staff to miss work.
However, weather wasn’t the only factor delaying the start of the meetings until three to four weeks later than expected.
Other factors include missed work hours due to illness and due to physical injuries from slips on the ice.
“Along with this I have new personnel, which can’t process the work as quickly as in the past,” Houselog explained. “To their credit, they are doing the work as fast as possible.”
“To sum it up in a few words, it’s been a terrible winter/spring.”
Evaluation and classification notices inform property owners of tax amounts payable in 2020.
Specific meeting times and dates to appeal the assessed values and/or classifications are included in the notices.
Appeal meetings occur in each township and city based on the property’s location. The final appeal and equalization meeting is conducted in June by the county commissioners.
By state law, the local boards of appeal and equalization meetings need to convene in April or May.
No delays are expected in the notification of property taxes payable in 2019.
Auditor-treasurer Ashley Kurtz said the notifications are on track to be mailed before March 29.
The first half tax payments for 2019 are due May 15.