The state department of revenue has requested new appraisals of the Guthrie County Assessor’s property after a citizen raised concern to a state legislator.

Iowa Department of Revenue Director Kraig Paulsen sent an order for further review after receiving a constituent concern through State Senator Jake Chapman, (R) District 10, regarding the classification and valuation of the parcel at 2262 250th Street, Guthrie Center owned by County Assessor Nikki Carrick and her husband. Paulsen reviewed the concern and found the valuation of the parcel gave the appearance of a deviation when compared to other similar parcels. Paulsen sent a letter to Carrick and the Guthrie County Conference Board on April 30th of this year, and Board Chair Jack E. Lloyd responded with a letter dated May 16th. Lloyd’s letter stated that the County Board of Review had set the classification and valuation of the property and Carrick appealed her assessment shortly after being appointed as Assessor. Lloyd didn’t explain how the Board of Review reached their conclusion and he said the matter was closed in his opinion.

According to the County Assessor website, Carrick’s property was valued at $154,000 in 2016, the year she was appointed as Assessor. In 2017 it was valued at $143,800, and this year is valued at $141,140. Paulsen cited Iowa Code in his justification to order the Board of Review obtain two independent appraisals of the parcel, make its final assessment decision and submit a report to Paulsen by July 31st. To read Paulsen’s order, click here.