dbryce@journalnet.com

BLACKFOOT - While the tax levy was lowered in Bingham County and most cities within the county, property taxes for many increased this year due to higher land values.

Treasurer Janice Lawes said the county levied $5.80 per each $1,000 of property value. The city of Blackfoot collected $11.25, and Shelley's tax levy was $6.58 per $1,000 of property value.

"Those levies are all down from last year," Lawes said.

But property owners in all three communities saw assessment increases. Some assessments rose by more than 30 percent, said Bingham County Commission Chairman Wayne Brower.

Brower said the assessed value of property in all three areas increased due to state regulations.

"The state mandated that some areas be trended upwards as much as 29 percent," he said.

The State Tax Commission compared similar properties within the marketing area and surrounding counties to determine that assessments in Bingham County were below current trends.

The increases did not sit well with homeowners, and Brower said the commission heard 40 tax appeals from unhappy property owners.

"The reality is you can say your home is valued at a certain amount, but can you get that amount out of the property in the current market?" Brower asked. "I think they're going to see a flattening in the market, and I think the state has a responsibility to also mandate a downward trend in the future."