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Archives
05-30-2001 News
Memorial Day Observed
Last yearÕs Poppy Queen Brenna Wolfram crowns Tiffany Livingston as the new queen. Looking on are Pete Peterman, left, and Bobbie Speck. The annual Memorial Day ceremony was held on the Livingston square Monday, May 28. The memorial ceremony began with a call to order by John Alcorn and the advance of colors by Doug Keisling and Ray Arney. Pete Peterman led those in attendance in prayer and past Poppy Queens led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Adrian West and Allison West led the National Anthem, then the crowd was welcomed with a few words from Bobbie Speck. Carnations were presented to Gold Star Mothers and Gold Star Sisters on hand. State Representative John Mark Windle spoke to the crowd, then keynote speakers Johnny Webb and Tom Halli-burton addressed them and reminisced about their experiences in the wars in which they served. The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary placed a wreath on the courthouse memorial, then the 21-gun salute was performed by the VFW Honor Guard. Pete Peterman concluded with the benediction. Property
Assessments To Change Assessment change notices from the State Division of Property Assessments will be mailed on June 1 to property owners whose assessment has been changed from the previous assessment. After receiving the assessment change notice, property owners who have questions or disagree with the new value on their property may contact an appraiser with the State Division of Property Assessments at the telephone number listed on the assessment change notice (931) 823-1668. If the property owners are still not satisfied with the explanations they receive from the state appraiser, they may appeal the individual property values to the local Board of Equalization, which begins meeting June 1 of each year and will meet for 10 days in June, by appointment only. Decisions of the local Board of Equalization may be appealed to the State Board Equalization. Appeals should be restricted to the property ownerÕs appraisal and ownership mapping. Tax rates and the amount of taxes owed on an individual property are not the matters that can be addressed by the state or the local Board of Equalization, since the rates are to be set later by the county commission and city council. A current value update is a method of updating appraised values to their current level for property tax purposes. Valid sales of property are analyzed to determine changes in the real estate market since the last county-wide reappraisal. In the past, a county-wide reappraisal program occurred in a given county about once every 10 years. Now Overton County has a county-wide reappraisal every 6 years with a Current Value Update in-between, if the market value of property is below 90 percent of the appraised value. Property values usually change dramatically over such a long period and different classes of property often change in value at different rates. When the appraised value for property tax purposes remains constant, two things happen: (1) appraised values no longer reflect the market value of property; and (2) because of the differing rates of change, some people pay more than their fair share of taxes. This law seeks to address both of these problems, thereby resulting in a more equitable property tax system. Current value updates keep appraisals at current value, thereby equalizing tax burdens within the counties and cities. Taxpayers will know the value at which their properties are assessed. The Current Value Updating program will not increase the overall property tax levy in the county because the certified tax rate law applies when a county is updated. The certified tax rate law, also known as "truth in taxationÓ, states that the tax rate following a current value update must be rolled back to a level that will produce the same total revenue as the prior year. The governing body of the county and city may adopt an actual tax rate higher than the certified tax rate if a tax increase is deemed necessary due to budget needs. In order to adopt an actual rate in excess of the certified rate, state law requires that a public hearing must be held on the adoption of the tax rate. This hearing must be advertised with the stated intent of exceeding the certified tax rate. Assessor Larry King said, "The important thing to remember is that an increase in your appraised value does not necessarily mean an increase in your property taxes. The rate will be determined later by the county commissioners and city councilmen." Taxpayers have two opportunities to appeal Current Value Updating of its results. The first opportunity is at a hearing which may be requested before the State Board of Equalization. This is a hearing on the proposed update, not a hearing designed for appeals of individual property values. The Current Value Updating programs administered by the State of Tennessee, Division of Property Assessment. For more information concerning this program or desire additional information write to Division of Property Assessments, Tom Fleming, CAE Director, Suite 1400, James K. Polk State Office Building, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243-0277, or call (615) 741-2837, or go online to www.state.tn.us/comptroller/cpdivpa.htm. "Also," Assessor Larry King said, "my office will be more than happy to answer any questions or help you in any way." Applause Award Presented To L&S Equipment Larry and Sue McCormick, founders of L&S Equipment Sales and Service in Rickman, were presented the Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce Applause Award on Thursday, May 24 for the beautification of the building. The site was home to the Rickman Post Office and a general store many years ago before being transformed into a service station and garage by Jim Sullivan in 1963. Charles Roberson and Richard Roberson then operated a service station and automotive repair shop in the structure. Not having been in use for some time, the Robersons sold the building to Larry and Sue McCormick in 2000. The couple reconstructed a former parts area of the shop into an office and updated electric wiring and the gas and plumbing systems. General cleanup and painting greatly enhanced the overall appearance of the building. Rickman Starter and Alternator Service, owned by Jackie Worley, is also housed in the building.
Overton County News
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Becky Meredith/OCN staff