County must simplify BOE appeals process

I was shocked on Tuesday as most homeowners in Bonner County by my 2006 assessment notice.

But what bothered me quite a bit, too, was trying to appeal the value. My notice stated that I could get a Board of Equalization form from the county assessor's office, but when I went there, I was told they were only available from the county commissioners' office.

This may sound like a small thing, but if I am to believe that, according to a statement from Judie Conlan, "Rapidly rising assessment values do not necessarily mean property taxes will go up proportionally," I would like to see the truth is being told to me from the beginning. If the information on the back of the official tax notice is incorrect, it compounds the problem.

Information correctly and simply stating the procedure for appealing the property values will go a long way in creating trust in our community, instead of spreading confusion.

JOANNE COTTRELL

Sandpoint