Fannin County Chief Appraiser Dawn Cochran reminded residents this week that the Board of Assessors appraisal staff works throughout the county to conduct onsite field inpections all year long.
However, between now and the end of March, appraisers will be concentrating on their field work, taking them into all areas of the county more often.
“It would not be unusual for you to see our staff members in your area or neighborhood conducting these inspections,” Cochran said.
“Fannin County (Board of Assessors office) vehicles will be clearly marked with emblems and staff will have picture IDs and business cards. Feel free to question staff for the reason for their visit and ask for their identification,” Cochran said.
“We appreciate your cooperation with our onsite visits. As always, we want to respect your privacy,” she said.
The field inspections are conducted due to building permits that have resulted in new construction, follow up inspections, a conservation use inspection, appeals, or general appraisal review. They are also conducted at the request of a homeowner.
Inspections are also conducted for manufactured and mobile homes.
Staff members’ work usually involves reviewing land characteristics, improvements and taking measurements, Cochran said.
“Normally, there is not a need to come inside your home or place of business,” Cochran said. However, should this be necessary, the taxpayer can make an appointment with the appraiser to complete the interior inspection.
If the taxpayer is not at home when an appraiser visits, an informational door hanger is left with the appraiser’s business card.
“Should you not be at home and no interior inspection is needed, the review will still be conducted and an informational door hanger will be left along with the appraiser’s business card,” Cochran said. “If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the number on the card to speak with the assigned appraiser.”
Cochran added that the goal of all the appraisers is to make sure tax assessments are done correctly in order to be fair to every taxpayer. She noted that sometimes a visit by an appraiser results in a correction that could actually lower a tax bill.