Fair and Equitable Property Appraisals

One of the key elements needed to ensure fair and equitable property appraisals is an informed and educated public that is provided opportunities and encouraged to participate in the process.

In 2008, Auditor Keith was a leader in developing a comprehensive public education program about the property appraisal process for use by counties all across Ohio. This program included the creation of a website (www.YourHomeYourValue.com) that leads visitors through the steps of the appraisal process.

During Montgomery County’s last reappraisal, Keith formed a “Reappraisal Forum,” a group of fifty community leaders, real estate professionals, public officials, developers and community activists that were invited to review the county’s appraisal process and the overall results of the reappraisal. The forum met on a number of occasions to provide input and feedback to the county and its appraisers and helped to improve the final determination of property values.

Additionally, Keith and his staff made dozens of presentations about the appraisal process to various community groups all over Montgomery County, including Dayton Priority Board meetings, a summit at Sinclair Community College, the South Metro Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Dayton Area Board of Realtors and Sinclair’s Senior Education Program. Keith, also, produced a cable TV program for Dayton Access Television that explained the appraisal process and reviewed the 2008 results.

To further increase citizen participation, the Auditor’s Office offered informal review sessions at 17 sites located all over the county. At these sessions, property owners were able to meet individually with county appraisers to discuss and review their most recent reappraisal. More than 15,000 property owners took advantage of this opportunity.

As a result of this last reappraisal, values were lowered on over half the residential properties in the county. According to a study by the Ohio Department of Taxation, the values set by this reappraisal were at 97% of the market for 2009, well within established professional standards and state guidelines.

Looking to the future, the Auditor will conduct a triennial sales update in 2011. Auditor Keith is planning to once again ask for and receive public input and conduct informal reviews with property owners. This sales update will incorporate some innovative new technologies, examine market trends and take into account the impact of foreclosures, short sales and abandoned property.

Keeping the public informed and making government more open and accessible will always be one of Karl Keith’s most deeply held commitments as county auditor.