In a recent government meeting, the Board of Equalization addressed concerns regarding property value assessments and transparency in the process. The discussion highlighted the necessity of formalizing property values, particularly as state law mandates that any changes must go through the County Board of Equalization after March. This procedural requirement was emphasized to ensure that property values are not adjusted unilaterally by the assessment office.
Larry Store, a resident, raised significant concerns about the perceived lack of transparency and communication with citizens regarding property assessments. He questioned why certain properties, particularly those sold by the City of Omaha and various charitable organizations, had not yet been assigned values, suggesting potential unequal treatment under the law. Store expressed frustration over the process that limits citizens' ability to challenge property values, calling for a more open dialogue between the county and its residents.
The Board ultimately voted unanimously to approve the resolutions concerning property assessments, but the discussion underscored ongoing community concerns about transparency and fairness in the property valuation process. Following this, the Board of Commissioners convened, approving minutes from a previous meeting and moving forward with the consent agenda, which included various administrative items. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on specific resolutions, indicating a continued commitment to addressing community concerns.