County Assessors Adjust Agricultural Property Values Amid Changes in Tax Regulations

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 7, 2025, focused on significant changes to property valuation and assessment processes, particularly affecting agricultural, residential, and commercial properties.

Key discussions highlighted a 35% increase in the CSR-based rate, which rose from $25.45 to $35.50 per CSR point. The valuation for agricultural buildings was adjusted to 26% of the depreciated replacement cost, reflecting a shift in how these properties are assessed. This change aims to ensure that agricultural buildings are valued fairly in accordance with state guidelines.

The meeting also addressed the need for reevaluation of property assessments to comply with state requirements. The median sales ratio for residential properties increased slightly from 92.81 to 92.93, necessitating adjustments to maintain compliance within the mandated 5% leeway. Failure to meet these standards could result in state intervention to adjust property values.

Residential properties saw an overall increase of 4.94% in assessments, while commercial properties experienced a 7.8% increase. The Board emphasized that these increases in assessed values do not directly correlate to property tax increases, as taxes are calculated based on taxable values, which are influenced by various factors including local tax levy rates and legislative changes.

The meeting concluded with a reminder that the assessor's office does not set tax rates or collect taxes, and the impact of these valuation changes on individual property taxes remains uncertain until future tax rates and legislative decisions are finalized. The adjustments discussed will affect the fiscal budgets for the 2026-2027 period, with property taxes due in the fall of 2026 and spring of 2027.