Actual property levies on this west-central Minnesota county fund important public providers resembling colleges, libraries, roads, and emergency providers. These levies are primarily based on the assessed worth of properties, together with residential properties, industrial buildings, and agricultural land. For instance, a house owner’s annual cost is set by multiplying their property’s assessed worth by the relevant mill charge set by the county.
Secure and predictable income generated by way of these assessments permits native governments to keep up and enhance infrastructure, present essential providers to residents, and foster financial progress throughout the group. The programs historic context is rooted within the states structure, which mandates native governments to boost income primarily by way of property taxation. This ensures native management over important providers and direct accountability to the group.
Understanding the evaluation course of, cost choices, and obtainable exemptions is essential for property house owners. The next sections will discover these subjects intimately, offering beneficial assets and insights for navigating the native tax system.
1. Assessed Values
Assessed values type the muse of property tax calculations in Pope County, Minnesota. The county assessor determines these values, representing a property’s estimated market value. This valuation course of considers numerous elements, together with property measurement, location, age, situation, and up to date gross sales knowledge of comparable properties. A direct relationship exists between assessed worth and the tax burden: a better assessed worth leads to a better tax legal responsibility, whereas a decrease assessed worth results in a decrease tax legal responsibility. As an illustration, two similar properties situated in numerous areas might need totally different assessed values attributable to variations in native market situations, influencing their respective tax burdens.
Understanding the evaluation course of is essential for property house owners. Accuracy in assessments ensures equitable tax distribution. Property house owners can problem assessments they deem inaccurate by way of a proper appeals course of. This course of permits for presenting proof supporting a special valuation. Efficiently interesting an inflated evaluation can considerably scale back property tax liabilities. For instance, if a property’s assessed worth is lowered by 10%, the corresponding tax legal responsibility may also lower proportionally. This highlights the sensible significance of understanding assessed values throughout the property tax system.
Correct and truthful assessed values are important for a purposeful property tax system. They make sure that every property proprietor contributes proportionally to the funding of native providers primarily based on their property’s market value. By understanding the connection between assessed values and tax liabilities, property house owners can have interaction extra successfully with the system, guaranteeing truthful illustration and contributing to the general fiscal well being of Pope County.
2. Mill Charges
Mill charges are a important element of property tax calculations in Pope County, Minnesota. Expressed as {dollars} per $1,000 of assessed worth, they characterize the tax levied on properties. Native authorities our bodies, together with county commissioners, college boards, and metropolis councils, yearly set mill charges to fund their respective budgets. These charges straight affect the general property tax burden for landowners. For instance, a mill charge of 10 mills means a property proprietor pays $10 for each $1,000 of their property’s assessed worth. Subsequently, a property assessed at $200,000 would incur a tax legal responsibility of $2,000 yearly underneath a 10-mill charge.
Mill charges mirror the monetary wants of native governments and the price of offering public providers. Components influencing mill charge changes embrace adjustments in property values, budgetary necessities for providers like training and public security, and native financial situations. If the full assessed worth throughout the county will increase, the mill charge could lower to generate the identical income. Conversely, if the county price range will increase, the mill charge could must rise to cowl the extra bills. For instance, a considerable enhance in demand for public training might necessitate a better mill charge to fund the elevated prices related to offering academic providers. Inspecting historic mill charge developments provides beneficial perception into the county’s fiscal administration and the general tax burden on residents over time.
Understanding mill charges and their fluctuations empowers property house owners to anticipate potential adjustments of their tax liabilities. Analyzing the parts comprising the composite mill charge, which incorporates levies from numerous taxing authorities (county, metropolis, college district, and so on.), permits for a extra granular understanding of how funds are allotted and utilized. This information facilitates knowledgeable participation in native authorities discussions regarding budgetary issues and tax coverage, contributing to a extra clear and accountable monetary ecosystem throughout the county.
3. Cost Deadlines
Adhering to cost deadlines is essential for property house owners in Pope County, Minnesota, to keep away from penalties and keep good standing. These deadlines make sure the well timed assortment of income important for funding public providers and sustaining the county’s monetary stability. Lacking a deadline may end up in penalties resembling late cost charges, curiosity prices, and potential liens on the property. Understanding the structured schedule and obtainable cost choices helps property house owners fulfill their tax obligations effectively.
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First Half Cost Deadline
Sometimes due in mid-Could, the primary half cost permits property house owners to separate their annual tax legal responsibility into two installments. This provides flexibility in managing funds and reduces the speedy monetary burden. Failure to satisfy this deadline leads to penalties calculated on the excellent first-half quantity. For instance, a 1% penalty on a $2,000 first-half cost leads to a $20 penalty. Paying by the deadline avoids these further prices and retains the tax cost plan on monitor.
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Second Half Cost Deadline
Usually due in mid-October, the second half cost completes the annual tax obligation. Just like the primary half, lacking this deadline incurs penalties, however these are calculated on all the remaining annual steadiness. This may end up in considerably larger penalties than lacking the first-half deadline. Planning for this cost properly upfront helps keep away from late charges and potential problems. For instance, setting reminders or automating funds can help in assembly the deadline and sustaining good standing.
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Penalty Calculation and Accrual
Penalties for missed funds are calculated as a proportion of the excellent quantity and accrue every day. The particular proportion and accrual charge are decided by state and county rules. Understanding the precise calculation methodology helps estimate potential penalty prices and reinforces the significance of well timed funds. Staying knowledgeable about these calculations permits for higher monetary planning and reduces the danger of sudden bills.
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Cost Choices and Channels
Pope County provides numerous cost choices, together with on-line funds, mail-in checks, and in-person funds at designated places of work. Understanding these totally different channels and their respective processing instances is essential for guaranteeing well timed funds. On-line funds supply speedy affirmation, whereas mailed funds require cautious consideration of postal supply instances. Selecting probably the most handy and dependable cost methodology primarily based on particular person circumstances ensures environment friendly and well timed tax cost.
By understanding and adhering to those cost deadlines and using the obtainable cost choices, property house owners in Pope County, Minnesota, contribute to the environment friendly functioning of native authorities and the availability of important providers. Accountable tax cost practices promote a secure fiscal setting, benefiting each particular person property house owners and the group as an entire. Furthermore, understanding the penalty construction and using obtainable assets permits for proactive monetary administration and avoidance of pointless prices.
4. Exemptions
Property tax exemptions in Pope County, Minnesota, supply particular property house owners potential reductions of their tax burden. These exemptions, established by state and native legal guidelines, goal to alleviate monetary pressure on sure teams or promote particular land makes use of. Understanding eligibility standards and utility procedures for related exemptions is essential for maximizing tax advantages. Cautious consideration of those provisions can contribute considerably to particular person monetary planning.
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Homestead Exemption
The homestead exemption reduces the taxable worth of a main residence, offering tax reduction for owner-occupied properties. Eligibility sometimes requires the property to be the proprietor’s main dwelling and meet particular residency necessities. As an illustration, a qualifying home-owner would possibly see a discount of their assessed worth, resulting in a decrease tax legal responsibility. This exemption goals to make homeownership extra inexpensive and encourage secure communities.
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Agricultural Exemption
Agricultural land used for farming or different agricultural functions could qualify for lowered tax assessments. This exemption acknowledges the financial contribution of agriculture and encourages the preservation of farmland. A farmer actively working their land would possibly profit from a decrease tax charge in comparison with a equally sized property used for residential or industrial functions. This incentivizes continued agricultural exercise throughout the county.
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Disabled Veterans Exemption
Sure disabled veterans could qualify for property tax exemptions, recognizing their service and sacrifices. Eligibility standards usually contain particular incapacity rankings and residency necessities. This exemption provides monetary assist to those that have served the nation and should face challenges attributable to service-related disabilities.
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Senior Citizen Exemption
Senior residents assembly particular age and revenue necessities could qualify for property tax reduction. This exemption goals to help older residents on mounted incomes in managing their property tax burden. The particular revenue thresholds and exemption quantities could range primarily based on state and native rules. This provision helps guarantee senior residents can stay of their properties regardless of potential monetary constraints.
Navigating the complexities of property tax exemptions requires cautious consideration to element and adherence to particular pointers. Accessing obtainable assets offered by the Pope County Assessor’s workplace can help property house owners in figuring out eligibility and finishing the applying course of. Using these exemptions successfully can considerably influence particular person property tax liabilities and contribute to total monetary well-being throughout the context of the broader property tax system in Pope County.
5. Appeals Course of
The appeals course of offers an important mechanism for property house owners in Pope County, Minnesota, to problem assessed property values they imagine to be inaccurate or unfair. This course of performs a significant position in guaranteeing equitable taxation by providing a proper channel for contesting valuations and presenting supporting proof. Initiating an enchantment sometimes includes submitting a written discover with the county assessor inside a specified timeframe, outlining the grounds for the enchantment and offering documentation supporting a special valuation. As an illustration, a property proprietor would possibly current current gross sales knowledge of comparable properties, proof of property harm impacting worth, or skilled value determinations to reveal the present evaluation’s inaccuracy.
A number of elements can justify initiating an enchantment. A big discrepancy between the assessed worth and the perceived market worth, errors in property knowledge used within the evaluation, or adjustments within the property’s situation affecting its worth can all warrant an enchantment. For instance, if a property’s assessed worth considerably exceeds current sale costs of comparable properties in the identical space, an enchantment is likely to be warranted. Equally, if the evaluation incorrectly lists the property’s sq. footage or consists of enhancements that don’t exist, an enchantment can rectify these errors and probably result in a lowered evaluation. Understanding the potential penalties of an inaccurate evaluation, resembling inflated tax liabilities, underscores the sensible significance of the appeals course of. Efficiently interesting an evaluation may end up in substantial tax financial savings, significantly for properties with vital valuation discrepancies.
Efficiently navigating the appeals course of requires cautious preparation and presentation of compelling proof. Property house owners ought to collect supporting documentation, together with value determinations, comparable gross sales knowledge, and images, to bolster their case. Understanding the county’s particular procedures and deadlines is important for guaranteeing the enchantment is processed successfully. Whereas the method provides a beneficial avenue for redress, it additionally requires diligence and a transparent understanding of the related rules. Using obtainable assets, resembling consulting with property tax professionals or accessing data from the county assessor’s workplace, can considerably enhance the chance of a profitable enchantment and contribute to a fairer property tax system inside Pope County.
6. Native Companies Funding
Property tax income varieties the cornerstone of native providers funding in Pope County, Minnesota. This income stream straight helps important public providers, together with training, public security, street upkeep, library providers, and parks and recreation. The direct connection between property taxes and the standard and availability of those providers underscores the significance of a secure and predictable property tax system. For instance, funding for native colleges depends closely on property taxes, impacting instructor salaries, academic assets, and facility upkeep. Equally, property tax income helps regulation enforcement businesses, fireplace departments, and emergency medical providers, guaranteeing public security throughout the group. Ample street upkeep, important for secure and environment friendly transportation, additionally depends considerably on property tax funding.
Analyzing the allocation of property tax income reveals the prioritization of various service areas throughout the county. A good portion sometimes helps training, reflecting the group’s dedication to investing in future generations. Public security providers additionally obtain substantial funding, demonstrating the significance positioned on sustaining a safe setting for residents and companies. The remaining income helps numerous important providers, together with street upkeep, library operations, and parks and recreation, contributing to the general high quality of life inside Pope County. As an illustration, a major enhance in property values inside a selected space might result in elevated tax income allotted to the colleges serving that space, probably enabling enhancements in academic packages and assets. Understanding this connection between property taxes and native providers empowers residents to interact extra successfully in native authorities decision-making processes regarding useful resource allocation and price range prioritization.
Efficient administration of property tax income is essential for guaranteeing the continued provision of significant providers. Challenges resembling fluctuating property values, altering budgetary wants, and financial downturns can influence the obtainable assets. Accountable fiscal planning and clear communication concerning income allocation construct public belief and foster a robust sense of group possession over the funding of native providers. Exploring various funding mechanisms and diversifying income sources can improve the long-term sustainability of native providers and mitigate the influence of potential financial fluctuations. In the end, the connection between property taxes and native providers highlights the significance of a well-functioning and equitable property tax system in sustaining the general well-being and prosperity of Pope County.
7. Price range Dedication
Price range dedication in Pope County, Minnesota, is inextricably linked to property tax income. The annual price range course of, performed by numerous native authorities our bodies together with the county fee, college boards, and metropolis councils, straight influences the property tax charges levied on property house owners. These governing our bodies undertaking their expenditure wants for the upcoming fiscal yr, contemplating elements resembling projected service prices, infrastructure tasks, and worker salaries. The distinction between projected expenditures and different income sources, resembling state and federal funding, determines the quantity of income that have to be generated by way of property taxes. This income requirement, mixed with the full assessed worth of properties throughout the jurisdiction, dictates the mandatory mill charge. As an illustration, if the county tasks a price range deficit and requires an extra $1 million in income, and the full assessed property worth is $1 billion, the mill charge would want to extend by one mill to cowl the shortfall.
Public enter performs a significant position within the price range dedication course of. Public hearings and alternatives for group suggestions permit residents to voice their opinions concerning price range priorities and proposed spending ranges. This participatory course of ensures transparency and accountability, permitting residents to affect how their tax {dollars} are allotted. For instance, if residents specific sturdy assist for elevated funding for public libraries, the county commissioners would possibly prioritize library funding throughout the price range, probably necessitating changes in different areas or a slight enhance within the mill charge. Conversely, if residents specific considerations over rising property taxes, the governing our bodies would possibly discover cost-saving measures or search various funding sources to mitigate the tax burden. This dynamic interaction between price range dedication and public enter underscores the significance of citizen engagement in shaping native fiscal coverage.
Efficient price range dedication requires cautious balancing of group wants and obtainable assets. Challenges resembling fluctuating property values, sudden financial downturns, and rising demand for public providers can complicate the method. Sound fiscal planning, coupled with prudent income forecasting and expenditure administration, are essential for sustaining a secure and sustainable fiscal setting. Understanding the connection between price range dedication and property taxes empowers residents to take part meaningfully in shaping native priorities and guaranteeing accountable stewardship of public funds. This energetic engagement contributes to a extra responsive and accountable native authorities, fostering a stronger sense of group possession over the allocation and utilization of tax income.
8. Taxpayer Assets
Navigating the complexities of property tax in Pope County, Minnesota, might be difficult. Entry to complete and available taxpayer assets is essential for property house owners to know their obligations, train their rights, and have interaction successfully with the native tax system. These assets present important data, steering, and assist, empowering property house owners to make knowledgeable selections concerning their property taxes.
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Pope County Assessor’s Web site
The official web site of the Pope County Assessor’s workplace serves as a central hub for property tax data. It offers entry to property information, evaluation particulars, mill charge data, exemption purposes, and particulars concerning the appeals course of. Property house owners can use the web site to analysis their property’s assessed worth, perceive how their tax legal responsibility is calculated, and entry needed varieties for exemptions or appeals. For instance, a property proprietor can obtain the homestead exemption utility type straight from the web site, saving time and guaranteeing entry to probably the most up-to-date model. This on-line useful resource considerably streamlines the method of gathering data and interacting with the assessor’s workplace.
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Tax Cost Portal
A web based tax cost portal provides handy and safe cost choices for property house owners. This portal facilitates well timed funds, eliminating the necessity for mailing checks or visiting the county workplace in particular person. Property house owners can entry their tax statements on-line, view cost historical past, and schedule automated funds. This automated system reduces the danger of missed deadlines and related penalties, selling environment friendly tax administration. As an illustration, a property proprietor touring throughout a cost deadline can simply make a cost on-line, avoiding late charges and sustaining compliance.
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Property Tax Guides and FAQs
Informative guides and ceaselessly requested questions (FAQs) present clear and concise explanations of varied points of the property tax system. These assets tackle widespread taxpayer questions concerning assessments, exemptions, appeals, and cost procedures. They make clear advanced terminology and supply sensible examples to help understanding. For instance, a information would possibly clarify the distinction between market worth and assessed worth, clarifying how these values are decided and their influence on tax legal responsibility. These simply accessible assets empower property house owners to navigate the system with confidence.
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Buyer Service Representatives
Direct entry to customer support representatives on the assessor’s workplace or the county treasurer’s workplace provides personalised help to taxpayers. Property house owners can contact these representatives by telephone or e mail to deal with particular questions, resolve points, or search clarification concerning their tax obligations. For instance, a property proprietor not sure about their eligibility for a selected exemption can contact a consultant to debate their scenario and obtain steering. This personalised assist ensures that property house owners obtain the mandatory help to navigate the often-complex property tax system successfully.
Efficient utilization of those taxpayer assets is essential for navigating the property tax system in Pope County. These assets empower property house owners to know their rights and obligations, guaranteeing correct assessments, maximizing eligible exemptions, and making knowledgeable selections concerning their property taxes. Entry to those assets promotes transparency, accountability, and a extra equitable property tax system throughout the county, benefiting each particular person property house owners and the group as an entire. By proactively using these assets, property house owners contribute to a smoother, extra environment friendly, and fairer property tax course of in Pope County.
9. Property Classifications
Property classifications in Pope County, Minnesota, play a elementary position in figuring out how actual property is assessed and taxed. Completely different classifications, assigned primarily based on the property’s main use, result in various evaluation ratios and tax burdens. These classifications mirror the varied vary of land makes use of throughout the county, together with residential, industrial, agricultural, industrial, and seasonal leisure properties. The classification system ensures that properties are taxed pretty primarily based on their supposed goal and financial contribution. For instance, a residential property, labeled as residential homestead, might need a special evaluation ratio and relevant exemptions in comparison with a industrial property used for retail functions. This distinction acknowledges the differing financial actions related to every property sort and goals to create a extra equitable tax construction. Understanding these classifications is essential for property house owners to precisely anticipate their tax liabilities and guarantee compliance with native rules.
The sensible implications of property classifications lengthen past tax assessments. Classifications affect zoning rules, land use planning, and improvement insurance policies throughout the county. As an illustration, agricultural land designated for agricultural use might need restrictions on improvement to protect farmland and encourage agricultural exercise. Equally, commercially zoned properties adhere to particular constructing codes and utilization rules distinct from residential zones. This interconnectedness between property classifications and land use planning ensures accountable improvement and the preservation of the county’s character. Moreover, understanding property classifications might be instrumental in property valuation and funding selections. The classification of a property offers beneficial perception into its potential makes use of, restrictions, and future improvement potentialities, informing funding methods and contributing to knowledgeable decision-making.
Correct and constant utility of property classifications is important for sustaining a good and environment friendly property tax system in Pope County. Challenges resembling evolving land use patterns, altering property values, and the necessity for periodic updates to the classification system require ongoing consideration. Common overview and refinement of the classification system guarantee it stays related and precisely displays present land use practices. This ongoing course of contributes to a extra equitable and clear property tax system, supporting the sustainable improvement and financial well-being of Pope County. In the end, understanding property classifications empowers property house owners, builders, and policymakers to make knowledgeable selections that form the way forward for the county’s panorama and monetary well being.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning the property tax system in Pope County, Minnesota. Understanding these key points helps property house owners navigate the system successfully and handle their tax obligations effectively.
Query 1: How is property tax calculated in Pope County?
The tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed property worth by the relevant mill charge. The mill charge, set yearly by native governing our bodies, represents the tax levied per $1,000 of assessed worth.
Query 2: What are the cost deadlines for property taxes?
Funds are sometimes due in two installments: the primary half in mid-Could and the second half in mid-October. Particular deadlines can be found on the Pope County web site and tax statements.
Query 3: What occurs if a property tax cost is missed?
Late funds incur penalties, together with curiosity prices and potential liens on the property. The particular penalty calculation is offered by way of the County Treasurer’s workplace.
Query 4: What exemptions can be found to scale back property tax legal responsibility?
A number of exemptions, together with homestead, agricultural, disabled veteran, and senior citizen exemptions, could scale back tax burdens. Eligibility necessities and utility procedures can be found by way of the County Assessor’s workplace.
Query 5: How can assessed property values be challenged?
Property house owners can problem assessments by way of a proper appeals course of by submitting a written discover to the County Assessor throughout the specified timeframe. Supporting documentation, resembling comparable gross sales knowledge or value determinations, strengthens the enchantment.
Query 6: How are property tax revenues utilized inside Pope County?
Revenues fund important native providers, together with training, public security, street upkeep, library providers, and parks and recreation. The allocation of funds displays native price range priorities decided by governing our bodies.
Understanding these ceaselessly requested questions offers a foundational understanding of the property tax system in Pope County. Additional inquiries might be directed to the County Assessor’s or Treasurer’s workplace for personalised help.
For added data and assets, please seek the advice of the Pope County web site or contact the related county places of work straight.
Suggestions for Navigating Pope County, MN Property Taxes
Managing property taxes successfully requires understanding key points of the native system. The next ideas present beneficial insights for property house owners in Pope County, Minnesota.
Tip 1: Perceive Property Valuation: Commonly overview property assessments to make sure accuracy. Components influencing valuation embrace property measurement, location, age, situation, and up to date gross sales knowledge of comparable properties. Consciousness of those elements permits for proactive evaluation monitoring and potential appeals if discrepancies come up.
Tip 2: Discover Obtainable Exemptions: Analysis and make the most of relevant exemptions, resembling homestead, agricultural, veteran, or senior citizen exemptions, to probably scale back tax liabilities. Eligibility necessities and utility procedures can be found by way of the County Assessor’s workplace.
Tip 3: Monitor Mill Price Modifications: Keep knowledgeable about annual mill charge changes set by native governing our bodies. Understanding mill charge fluctuations helps anticipate potential adjustments in tax liabilities and permits for knowledgeable price range planning.
Tip 4: Adhere to Cost Deadlines: Well timed funds stop penalties and keep good standing. Make the most of obtainable cost choices, together with on-line funds, mail-in checks, or in-person funds, and select probably the most handy and dependable methodology. Setting reminders or automating funds ensures adherence to deadlines.
Tip 5: Make the most of Obtainable Assets: Leverage assets obtainable by way of the County Assessor’s web site, resembling property tax guides, FAQs, and on-line cost portals. These assets supply beneficial data, steering, and handy entry to important providers.
Tip 6: Have interaction in Native Authorities: Take part in public hearings and price range discussions to voice opinions concerning tax insurance policies and native providers funding. Energetic engagement promotes transparency and accountability throughout the native authorities’s fiscal decision-making processes.
Tip 7: Preserve Correct Information: Hold thorough information of property assessments, tax funds, and exemption purposes. Organized documentation simplifies the appeals course of if needed and facilitates correct tax reporting.
By implementing the following tips, property house owners can navigate the complexities of the Pope County property tax system successfully. Proactive engagement and knowledgeable decision-making contribute to environment friendly tax administration and guarantee truthful illustration inside the local people.
Understanding and actively managing property taxes contributes to a wholesome monetary outlook and helps important native providers inside Pope County. These proactive measures profit particular person property house owners and the general monetary well-being of the group.
Understanding Property Taxes in Pope County, MN
Cautious examination of the property tax system in Pope County, Minnesota, reveals its multifaceted nature, encompassing assessed values, mill charges, cost deadlines, exemptions, appeals processes, native service funding, price range dedication, obtainable taxpayer assets, and property classifications. Every element performs an important position in shaping the general tax burden and guaranteeing equitable distribution of assets for important public providers. Understanding these interconnected components empowers property house owners to navigate the system successfully and handle their tax obligations effectively.
Efficient stewardship of property tax income stays essential for sustaining the monetary well being of Pope County and guaranteeing the continued provision of important providers. Knowledgeable engagement by property house owners, coupled with clear and accountable governance, fosters a sustainable fiscal setting, contributing to the general well-being and prosperity of the group. Continued exploration of those points and energetic participation in native authorities processes are very important for shaping a strong and equitable property tax system that serves the perfect pursuits of Pope County residents.
