Every four years all properties in Shelby County are reappraised by the Assessor s office. The recently completed 2021 assessments brought an average 20 percent increase across all Shelby County properties, according to Chief Administrative Officer Javier Bailey. That came in spite of major flooding in many Germantown residences (2019) and the COVID-19 pandemic (2020).
Daily Memphian reporter Bill Dries for this week’s WKNO-TV
Behind the Headlines. Guests discuss the impact of property appraisals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, guests talk about a proposal for a change in the frequency of appraisals, as well as the effects of the PILOT program on property taxes.
Opinion | “Photogate” & the controversy over mailers on Shelby County reappraisals | Otis Sanford
Local 24 News political analyst and commentator Otis Sanford shares his point of view on a controversy over a mailer on reappraisals. Author: Otis Sanford (Local 24) Published: 5:31 PM CST March 11, 2021 Updated: 5:31 PM CST March 11, 2021
MEMPHIS, Tenn. In the scheme of things, the mini-controversy involving Shelby County Property Assessor Melvin Burgess is not a big deal. But as we all know, politicians sometimes major in the minor. So a debate was inevitable over what I m calling photogate.
Burgess is facing criticism from at least one county commissioner for sending out a mailer notifying county taxpayers of upcoming property reappraisals. The flyer is much larger than those sent in the past - and it includes a huge color photo of burgess. In short, it looks exactly like a political campaign mailer disguised as a reapprai