COUNTY PROPERTY TAXES FACE REAPPRAISAL

BY THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

Homeowners in Jefferson County could see a change in the amount they pay for property taxes next year as a result of a countywide reappraisal that is being done this year, as required by state law.

County Assessor Larry Fratesi said the last time property in the county was reappraised was in 2003, and contrary to trends in other parts of the country, property values are up for the most part.

“White Hall has shown the biggest increase but there have been some strong sales in the Watson Chapel area and southwest Pine Bluff as well,” Fratesi said.

“Of course there are a few blighted areas where the values haven’t gone up but there are not many of them.”

Under Arkansas law, assessors appraise property to determine its market value, then the property is assessed in a range of 18 to 22 percent of its market value.

Property owners can appeal their tax bill to the county Equalization Board, which meets each August.

The reassessments completed this year will appear on tax bills for county residents in 2009.