Montgomery County Council members heard from County Assessor Sherri Bentley that her office will soon be mailing 2024 assessments payable in 2025.
Bentley said the state has approved the new evaluations her office supplied.
Bentley said landowners will be able to appeal the new value of their property after the statements have been distributed. Property owners will need to call the assessor’s office and schedule a time to voice their objection to the new values.
“The new assessments are not too bad,” Bentley said. “The state has changed some things and possibly has helped property owners.”
Montgomery County Auditor Mindy Byers reminded property owners that state legislators have taken away the mortgage deduction property owners could use to lower their property taxes. However, Byers said the deduction has been added to the homestead deduction.
The county continues to prepare for the hiring a projects manager to oversee all county projects.
The new position will have a recommended starting salary between $55,381 and $67,688.
The county presently has 20 projects underway such as the courthouse exterior repair and the Nucor Road Bridge on U.S. 136E.
Funding for the new position will include $50,000 from the general fund and remaining from riverboat fund.
Montgomery County Administrator Tom Klein reported the Purple Heart Parkway extension has started.
Council members heard from Montgomery County Sheriff Ryan Needham about his concerns regarding salaries for sheriff’s deputies. He said he is aware the City of Crawfordsville is preparing to raise the salaries of city police officers. Needham said the increase will significantly be more than what the county pays its deputies. Needham said the result will be his department will have a more difficult time in hiring new deputies.
The council is waiting for an income study to be completed. Council members believe the study will provide them with the information they need concerning salaries and what adjustments will be needed. The report is being expedited and will be available mid-June.
