When property values are figured next year, appraisers will use a specific set of rules and standards to make determinations of property values.

Approving those standards for appraising property are more important than most folks realize, County Manager Mike Ruffin told county commissioners earlier this month.

Once adopted, that schedule cannot be changed, said Brian Myers, tax administrator.

Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed schedule at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 5.

Myers went on to say that the schedule of values adopted by commissioners, not the market, determines property values. That schedule of values is based on the current market values, but is only adopted every four years. The market usually changes – in one direction or the other – in between revaluations. “We’re right … at least every four years,” he said.

The public lost some trust in the system in 2008, when the schedule had been adopted just prior to the bottom falling out of the real estate market.

Recently, there have been more property transactions which make it easier to come up with that schedule to reflect fair market values, Myers said. The proposal is available for public view at the county administration building.

Myers said the county is divided into zones for the appraisals, with some areas going up in value while a couple of areas have gone down in value.