The Tama County Assessor’s office plans to mail the 2012 property assessment notices to property owners on March 7, 2012, it has been announced by Jerry Witt, county assessor.

The notices are intended to inform the property owners of the estimated market value of their property. The values should not be confused with taxable value or the tax bill.

Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. of Cedar Rapids was awarded the contract to reappraise all commercial and industrial classes of property in the county in February of 2011. Company representatives have measured and attempted to inspect all property over the last year. A sales analysis and a review of the information collected were conducted before the values were finalized.

Property owners will have an opportunity to meet with a representative of Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. beginning March 26. These meetings are an opportunity for the property owner to submit any information which may affect the estimate of market value of their property.

Property owners who wish to meet with a representative of Vanguard must request an appointment prior to March 21, by calling the county assessor’s office at (641)484-3545.

The last complete reappraisal of these properties was completed for the January 1,2001 assessment date. The current reappraisal was conducted to equalize assessed values since not all properties have decreased or increased at the same rate since 2001.

Company representative will not adjust the assessed values if the property owner objects to the new values based solely on the fact that there was an increase in assessed value. Property owners who disagree with the new values should be prepared to state their estimate of market value and present evidence to support that estimate.

Property owners will also have an opportunity to protest the new assessed values to the Board of Review. A written protest must be submitted between April 15 and May 5 for the Board of Review to consider any adjustment.

New notices will be mailed if values change prior to April 15.