In a recent government meeting, officials reported a significant surge in petitions filed this year, with a total of 1,907 petitions submitted, marking a 160% increase from the previous year’s 733 petitions. This increase is attributed to one company, which accounted for 1,561 of the filings, primarily in paper form.

During the meeting, discussions centered around scheduling hearings to address these petitions. The board is expected to propose a schedule that includes at least two weeks dedicated to initial hearings, with a backup week for any necessary makeup dates. The proposed dates for these hearings are January 28-30 and February 4-6, with an additional makeup week suggested for February 11-13.

Officials also noted that 24 petitions have been withdrawn as of the latest update. The distribution of petitions indicates that there are 27 related to personal property, 7 for exemptions, and the remainder concerning real property. The board is preparing to allocate resources accordingly, including the need for three magistrates to handle the increased volume of cases.

The property appraiser's office has indicated readiness for hearings by early February, aligning with the proposed schedule. The meeting underscored the need for efficient management of the increased workload as officials prepare for the upcoming hearings.