No one appears as Wood County officials begin property value review

Wood County Assessor John Kelly and Deputy Assessor Connie McAtee delivered the county property books to the Wood County Commission on Monday for the start of the annual session of the Board of Equalization and Review. Kelly swore under oath the books were accurate to the best of his knowledge. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)
PARKERSBURG — The annual session of the Wood County Commission meeting as the Board of Equalization and Review got underway Monday.
Wood County Assessor John Kelly and Deputy Assessor Connie McAtee delivered the county property books to the commission for the start of the annual session of the Board which officially got underway Monday at 10:10 a.m. with no one appearing.
“I swear the books are accurate to the best of my knowledge,” Kelly said as he was sworn in to officially deliver the property books to the commission.
This is Kelly’s first Board of Equalization and Review period as assessor.
The Assessor’s Office sent out around 2,800 letters informing them of a 10% increase in their property valuation, McAtee said.
They have had less than 50 calls from people questioning the letters and they have been able to address their concerns, McAtee said, with Kelly adding they are still trying to reach two.
Commissioners suggest any issue with property valuations be taken up with the Wood County Assessor’s Office first to see if the issues can be resolved. It is not a requirement and people can appear before the commission to discuss it if they feel they need to.
Taxpayers can come before the board beginning 10 a.m. until noon on Feb. 6, 10 and 13 (the regular commission meeting days).
If the commission concludes its regular business and adjourns on its regular meeting days of Monday and Thursday, a sign will be placed outside commission chambers directing people to the county administrator’s office. From there the commissioners can be called back to the courthouse to reconvene and hear the concern.
If afternoon appointments are needed, the board will convene from 1-3 p.m.
An evening hearing will be available Monday, Feb. 10, 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.
“People can come in and present compelling evidence of why their appraisal is wrong,” said Commission President Blair Couch. “That has to be pictures of dilapidation that we cannot see from the outside, an insurance policy or an official appraisal.
“Many times people will come in with a complaint, but they have to give some evidence that our appraisal is incorrect.”
The property books are available if anyone wants to come in and review their property appraisal, Couch said.
The owners of any commercial properties are asked to give 24 hours notice before they appear so county officials have time to prepare and get the necessary documentation in order, officials said.
Kelly said his people will be available for assistance throughout the Board of Review process if the commission needs them.
The Board of Equalization and Review will conclude on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m.
Afterwards, the commission will begin the process of budgeting for the 2025-26 fiscal year, Couch said.
Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com