County awash in tax appeals

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is seeking a one-week extension from the state to ensure it has enough time to hear hundreds of tax appeals.

County Assessor Jerry Clemons said 523 landowners appealed their property valuations to county commissioners, who serve as the Board of Equalization in the appeals. Clemons said 224 have already been worked out.

“We’re still solving some as we go,” said Clemons, who is unfazed by the number of tax appeals.

Although there are as many as 50 hearings which have yet to even be scheduled, county commission Chairman Joe Young said there’s a good chance the county won’t need the extension from the Idaho State Tax Commission.

“It’s better to ask for it now and not need it,” said Young.

The extension would give the board until July 17 to hear appeals.

Board of Equalization hearings are quasi-judicial proceedings in which landowners have three minutes to explain why their property valuations should be reduced and can bolster their positions with supporting documentation.

County appraisers have the same amount of time in which to defend the valuation.

Both sides are also entitled to rebuttal remarks.

Commissioners then close the hearing and discuss among themselves whether to sustain or adjust the values.

Landowners can appeal the board’s ruling to the Idaho State Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days.