County Briefs

Editor’s note: A previous version of this brief incorrectly said that inspections were limited to December. The Journal apologizes for the error.

Appraisers making visits

County appraisers will be visiting property in Area 2, which includes the Shelton city limits and Shelton Matlock Road to Dayton, Shelton Valley Road, Brockdale Road to just before McEwan Prairie Road, Shelton Springs Road, Johns Prairie Road and state Highway 3 out to Bayshore, Arcadia out to Totten Shores, a portion of the beginning of Cole Road and the Mill Creek area.

Inspections will be used for the 2025 assessment year/2026 tax year, according to a news release from the Mason County assessor.

The process began in December and will continue for several months until competed.

Taxable real property must be physically inspected at least once every six years for assessment and valuation, the release states.

“Physical inspection means, at a minimum, an exterior observation of the property to determine whether there have been any changes in the physical characteristics that affect value and must be appropriately documented in accordance with the findings of the physical inspection,” according to the release.

If property owners refuse inspection, the appraiser must provide an estimate of the property using available information, which may not be accurate, according to the assessor.

Appraisers don’t make appointments, and the taxpayer doesn’t need to be present for the appraisal, which is only an exterior inspection.

All appraisers will wear orange vests with a Mason County badge and will be driving white Ford Escapes with a Mason County logo, the release states.