(Meeting Updates - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — The Wood County Commission set the dates and times it will convene as the Board of Equalization and Review in February.

On Thursday, the commission unanimously agreed the Board of Equalization meetings will mostly coincide with the regular commission meeting times starting 9:30 a.m. Feb. 2, at which time the Wood County Assessor’s Office will submit the property books for the current year.

Taxpayers can come before the board beginning 10 a.m. until noon on Feb. 2, 5, 9 and 12. If afternoon appointments are needed, the board will convene from 1-3 p.m.

Hearings will be available Monday, Feb. 9, from 5-7 p.m. by appointment only which can be made through the Wood County Administrator’s Office.

The commission will examine and review the property books in regard to each hearing, making adjustments if deemed necessary.

“We encourage people to go to the Assessor’s Office first to address any concerns,” Wood County Commission President Blair Couch said.

Officials said that many concerns can be handled that way before having to come before the commission sitting as the Board of Equalization and Review. Those things can include changes made to individual properties, removing an outbuilding or putting in a garage that the owners feel may have changed the value of the property, Couch said.

“We always advise people to bring clear and convincing evidence for a change, such as pictures, insurance statements and a current appraisal,” Couch said.

Wood County Assessor John Kelly said an appraisal of the property would be the most important thing people could bring in.

“If you have receipts to show how much you have spent, that would be important to bring in, he said.

Kelly said his office is ready to go with their records in place and personnel ready to address questions and concerns.

The commission has had few people appear over the past few years because people went through the assessor’s office first and were able to work out any issues beforehand.

The Board of Equalization and Review will conclude on Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.

Kelly said last year his office sent out 3,500 letters indicating a change of 10% in value. This year they are sending out around 1,600 letters.

“Most of those are due to new construction,” he said.

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com