Property taxes and home valuations have been on the rise across the country and particularly here in southeast Kansas.

 

 Montgomery County Appraiser Melody Kiikert spoke at First Friday in Independence last week, addressing the topic of increases in property valuations by the county. Kikkert says that the appraiser's office focuses on mass appraisal, which is different from the way banks assess property value. She says it's all based on market value.

 

Kikkert says that means the appraisal may change even if you haven't made any improvements to your home or property.

 

Property owners can learn more about their appraisals by contacting the county appraiser's office. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and is located in the Montgomery County Courthouse in Independence.

 

To access the County's parcel search site, go here.