Each year the county assessor determines market value of all taxable property based on existing home sales, new construction and other market conditions. In recent weeks, most area property owners received an assessment notice post card reflecting any change in market value. Reporter Mike Lipsitz explains what the numbers mean…
The county assessor notifies property owners of changes in value via an assessment notice. The county tax collector applies limits imposed by Prop 13 and adjustments allowed under Prop 8 to determine taxes due. This year’s assessment roll shows an average 5 percent increase countywide, and making for a total that surpasses the previous high in 2008 before the market collapse. Twentynine Palms’ properties showed an average 2.2 percent increase in value, and Yucca Valley came in right along countywide averages at 5 percent, but behind the impressive recovery experienced by our neighbors to the north. Hesperia at 7.8 percent, Victorville at 6.7 percent, and Adelanto at 6.5 percent experienced the county’s highest rates of growth. Taxpayers may appeal the assessor’s valuation first through an informal review which can be arranged by calling 877-885-7654 or in person at the Assessor’s Joshua Tree Office on the ground floor of the county building on the highway at Whitefeather Road.
