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County Commissioners fight back against...

Posted at 12:25 PM, May 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-03 13:25:54-04

The Douglas County Board of Equalization unanimously challenged the state's latest property valuations Tuesday morning.

The vote comes on the heels of a proposal to raise home values west of 72nd Street by seven percent while lowering home values in northeast Omaha by eight percent.

For nearly two hours, concerned homeowners, state and city elected officials urged the board to appeal the valuations.

Members of the county board of equalization – who are also Douglas County Commissioners – questioned the county assessor's office about property value data submitted to the state.

Representatives from the county assessor's office say the valuations were based on “unreliable data” stemming as far back as 2013.

The discussion prompted office holders calling for change.

If the state's valuations were to be implemented, elected officials say not only would it affect property taxes but also those applying for home loans or wanting to buy or sell homes.

The commissioners plan to take their appeal to the state's supreme court.