Homeowners are opening their mailboxes to find new property tax statements, and many are once again disappointed with what they find. In fact, one person claimed his valuation increased by more than $100,000.
Terry Thielen has been living in his Douglas County home for eight years. The retiree stated that he has made no improvements to his home in the past year.
This comes as lawmakers have struggled to pass meaningful property tax relief. Last summer, the legislature passed LB 34, which proposed an additional $750 million in property tax credits.
“We thought it was very steep. “A little difficult for both of us,” he explained.
And Thielen is not alone; Tracee Baker’s valuation increased by $6,000. The cherry on top: Baker claims her valuations have increased by more than $100,000 in the last three years.
“My husband and I’s wages have remained stagnant. Obviously, with high inflation in recent years, our property tax valuations have been steadily rising. Every month, it becomes increasingly difficult for us to pay our bills,” Baker explained.
Residential property values, measured by selling prices, have doubled over the last decade. We spoke with Douglas County Assessor Michael Goodwillie. He stated that residential property valuations increased by 7% overall this year.
“What we will do typically is we will compare the selling prices with the current assessed values,” according to Goodwillie.
He said the last time your property was appraised can also influence the valuation.
We brought neighbors’ concerns to the legislature. Senator Brad von Gillren, chair of the Revenue Committee, said in part:
“That said, the importance of the measures passed by the Legislature in LB 34 should not be overlooked or minimized. The growth limitations on levying authority are a first step toward meaningful reform.
Thielen said he is considering contesting his valuation.
“When it goes that much up in a year, maybe there is something else that needs to be done other than us absorbing it in our pocket books.”
According to the Douglas County Assessor, if you have any questions about your property valuation, please email valuationissues@douglascounty-ne.gov.