HERMANN – Not counting on a repeat of having no property assessment appeals, the Gasconade County Assessor’s Office is advising taxpayers of the upcoming process for contesting this year’s property assessments.

Assessor Julia Baker said impact notices will be mailed to property owners at the end of this month. She explained that the notices are intended to inform property owners of any change in the assessed value of the property. Because this year’s impact notices reflect last year’s reassessment work by the Assessor’s Office, only parcels with new improvements or construction will receive a notice and be affected.

Property owners are encouraged to first contact the Assessor’s Office for an informal appeal. Baker explained that this allows the office to review a person’s property record and deal with any discrepencies. The last day for an informal appeal is June 30.

The formal appeal of an assessment is conducted by the county’s Board of Equalization (BOE). If a resolution cannot be reached through the informal appeals process, the property owner can schedule a formal hearing with the BOA, which meets Monday, July 20, at 9 a.m. The deadline to sign up for a formal appeal is Monday, July 13.

The BOA is an independent body to meets annually to hear and review property assessment concerns. Last year there was only one formal appeal scheduled, but that matter was resolved prior to the BOE meeting.

Meanwhile, Baker last week told the County Commission that assessments will be determined using improved imaging of property. She hailed the new aerial view of property as a big improvement in setting values. “It’s just so much better,” she said.

The new imaging offers more detail on a piece of property and better picture quality, Baker said, adding, “It’s just spectacular.”