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Bannock County
July 2023
2023 Board of Equalization recap
Bannock County recently wrapped up the annual property assessment appeals and Board of Equalization process. 

Every year, property owners are given a chance to appeal their property’s assessed value after receiving their assessment notices from their county Assessor’s Office. 

Bannock County Assessor Anita Hymas, who is in her first year in office, asked property owners who disagreed with their assessed value to discuss their concerns with the appraisers in the Assessor’s Office before appealing. 

“If someone’s basement is unfinished, we don’t know that because we don’t enter homes when we’re assessing their value. Having people talk to us about their property is a huge benefit to everyone involved, so we can help them avoid the process of appealing their values,” Hymas said.

Hymas said she and her staff helped more than 500 people with their assessed values by phone, email, or in person. Through communicating with the property owners, appraisers adjusted about 350 parcels assessed value.  

“I’m so proud of my staff and their strong customer service. We spoke to so many people in a three-week window, and the majority of those conversations were positive,” Hymas said.

Of those who were unable to come to an agreement with an appraiser, more than 200 parcels belonging to about 90 people were formally appealed to the Board of Equalization. The Board upheld the assessed value for 179 parcels and adjusted 55 parcels. 

Newly-elected Commissioner John Crowder said he felt very positive about his first year serving on the Board of Equalization and attributes the drop in appeals to the work of Assessor Hymas and her staff. 

“It is clear that they worked diligently to ensure that appraisals were fair and accurate. Beyond this, Anita and her staff engaged with their constituents,” Crowder said. 

“They held numerous public meetings throughout Bannock County. They met with individuals who questioned the values placed on their properties to explain the process and showed a willingness to make changes where appropriate. The positive experience I had was a direct result of the leadership and willingness to engage with the public that Anita and her team demonstrated,” Crowder said. 

“I sure appreciate the Assessor and her office in their efforts to have their doors open and talk with people about their assessments. Because of that, the number of appeals was way down compared to previous years. I’m grateful to everyone who worked hard to make this process a success this year,” said Commissioner Ernie Moser.

“My staff and I are especially grateful to the Commissioners for their support. Thanks to the great relationship between our offices, this process went smoothly and was a positive experience for all involved,” Hymas said. 
A Minute With Your Elected Official
Coroner Torey Danner
As your County Coroner, I just wanted to give you an update on the evolution, operations, and goals of this office. First and foremost, in terms of evolution, we are always striving to provide the best service we can for the citizens of Bannock County...
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Starting July 15, a ban on certain types of fires will be in place for all of Bannock County: Inkom, Arimo, Downey, McCammon, Lava, Pocatello Valley, Chubbuck, Pocatello, and North Bannock Fire District. Many of the fire officials from the municipalities and fire districts throughout Bannock County worked together to create a unified burn ban with the intent of reducing the risk of wildfires.

No open burning or fireworks are allowed within the Wildland-Urban Interface Areas of Bannock County because of anticipated fire danger. The use of commercial gas fire pits and appliances designed for food prep, such as gas grills and/or charcoal briquettes, are exempted from the ban when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Campfires and recreational fires are allowed in developed campgrounds and private residences, provided they comply with the following limitations: Contained within a pit or ring, not to exceed 3 feet in diameter, 3 feet flame height, and 25 feet from structures or ignitable objects and should be screened to eliminate airborne embers.

Exception: No campfires or recreational fires will be allowed in the high wildland fire hazard areas in the Johnny Creek and Pocatello Creek areas of the City of Pocatello. A map of these areas can be found at: https://www.pocatello.gov/189/Fire

“The wet spring has brought an increase in light fuels in our area. As it dries out, these light fuels can lead to increased fire danger and fast fire growth. We appreciate people being cautious in their use of fire and complying with the burn ban.” Said Pocatello Fire Marshall Nick Christensen.

The ban will remain in place until October 1 or until conditions allow it to be lifted.

Residents with questions about the burn ban or fireworks are encouraged to contact their local fire department/district.
Bannock County Gems
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
MARSH VALLEY DENTAL
Marsh Valley Dental opened its doors to the Marsh Valley community in 2003. Located in Downey, this family-owned office services more than 3,900 active patients from more than 10 different cities. Dr. Sutton and Dr. Perkins offer preventative dentistry, basic restorative work, teeth whitening, implant and crown restoration, sealants, clear aligners, and even sleep apnea treatment. According to their website, the office is accepting new patients.
DEPARTMENT OF THE MONTH
ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
The Bannock County Assessor's Office is responsible for valuing all property, including mobile homes, residential, commercial, and agricultural properties, for property tax purposes. The Assessor determines the equitable value of property to ensure that each taxpayer pays only their fair share of the taxes. The Assessor's Office consists of eight residential appraisers, two commercial appraisers, four appraisal assistants, three staff members in the plat room/GIS department, a senior admin assistant, a chief deputy, and the elected Assessor.
Busy at Bannock County
We're always busy at Bannock County Government! Follow us on social media to see what we're up to.

Bannock County and the City of McCammon recently agreed to locate advanced life support providers in McCammon to improve service times for the Marsh Valley.

Bannock County Planning & Development recently implemented new software for contractors and developers to apply for permits online.

Check out the photos from our 2023 Independence Day Celebration at the Bannock County Event Center.

More than 1,000 books were donated to the Bannock County Sheriff's Office book drive, which will be added to the detention center's library for inmates.
Notable News in Bannock County

The Mountain View Event Center, or MEC, has plans to build a large indoor turf facility on the city’s north side thanks to an investment from Idaho Central Credit Union.

The ribbon cutting for a world-class BMX track in Pocatello was held, with local residents and city officials in attendance for the celebratory event.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the freshly constructed Morton Buildings manufacturing plant was held at 1990 Boeing Ave., next to the Pocatello Regional Airport.

Construction is underway on a new 200-unit apartment complex in Chubbuck, with developers expecting it to be fully open by the end of 2024.
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