On Monday afternoon, May 4, Knox County Property Assessor Phil Ballard and Knox County Finance Director Chris Caldwell hosted an educational session for local media and interested parties. Attendees included Compass Scott Barker, WBIR’s John North and his photographer, myself, and a reporter from the daily paper.

We were joined by several members of the Property Assessor’s office: Jim Weaver, Linda Turner, Barry Mathis, and Casey Taylor.

Officials stated that the yellow reappraisal and reassessment notices are expected to be mailed this week, with property owners beginning to receive them as early as today.

The purpose of the reappraisal is to bring all properties to current market value. The reassessment represents a percentage of that appraised value and serves as the new taxable value.

Following the informal appeal period, the tax rate is expected to be adjusted downward to the certified rate. Property owners who are not satisfied after the informal appeals process may schedule a formal hearing with the Board of Equalization — a citizen board responsible for reviewing cases and ensuring property values are accurate and fair, not punitive.