The Barry County Assessor has mailed out change of assessment notices, and taxpayers may have questions concerning these changes in assessment figures.

If a taxpayer wants to challenge their change in assessed valuation, they should inquire about the issue before July 10. People may call the Assessor’s Office to inquire about the change, or they may call the County Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment to meet with the Board of Equalization (BOE).

When people call the Clerk’s Office, they will be asked if they have already talked to the Assessor’s Office about the matter. They don’t have to, but it may be possible to resolve the dispute before having to attend a meeting of the BOE. The Assessor’s Office phone number is 417-847-4589.

If a taxpayer wants to appear before the BOE, the Clerk’s Office will mail the taxpayer an appeal form. The taxpayer must fill out the form and return it to the County Clerk’s Office on or before July 10 so an appointment can be scheduled for them with the Board of Equalization.

The BOE will meet, according to statute, on the third Monday in July, which is July 17.

The Board consists of the three County Commissioners and two appointed citizens. The County Assessor is a non-voting member of the Board, and the County Clerk will be present to act as Secretary to the Board.

When the taxpayer meets with the Board of Equalization, they must provide proof that the value assigned to their property is incorrect. To support their claim, they may provide sales contracts, appraisals, income and expense information, documented sales of similar properties in their neighborhood, pictures, blueprints or evidence of significant property data errors regarding their property.

Once a decision is made by the BOE, the taxpayer will be given written notice of the decision of the Board, along with information concerning how to appeal the Board’s decision if they so desire.