Board of Appeals and Equalization meetings are approaching, but first, call the Assessor
Property valuations are arriving in mailboxes across the county. Each year, some property owners are surprised by the notice from the Assessor, and seek to contest it. The county has protocol for those property owners to follow, including Board of Appeals and Equalization meetings, which are scheduled in May for the county’s West End townships, and in June for the rest of the county.
County Assessor Bob Thompson said that those who believe their valuations to be inaccurate should contact his office prior to the Board of Appeals and Equalization meetings, instead of simply attending. He said his office will work with property owners to come to an understanding about where the Assessor’s valuation came from, but also where the property owner believes a mistake was made. If his office and property owners are unable to resolve the dispute, the property owner can take the matter to a Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting.
At Board of Appeals and Equalization meetings, property owners will have the opportunity to explain to their township board or the Board of Commissioners why they believe their property’s valuation is incorrect. Valuations are based on a series of factors, including improvements to the property, like new buildings or infrastructure, and recent sales in the area.
For West End residents, each township will hold their own Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting in May. If they are unable to attend those meetings or are still working with the Assessor’s office, they also have the option to attend the county-wide meeting in June if they are unable to come to an agreement with the Assessor by then.
Property owners looking to dispute their 2026 valuation for 2027 property taxes should contact the Assessor’s office at 218-387-3650 before their area’s Board of Appeals and Equalization meeting.
Thompson told WTIP earlier this month that most property owners in the county will see property value increases of less than 4%, and that the average for the county was about 5%. In recent years, property values have risen by higher percentages. In 2025 the average increase was 6.2, and in 2024 property owners saw an average increase of over 10%.
Board of Appeals and Equalization meetings for 2026 are:
Lutsen – Tuesday, May 5, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Lutsen Town Hall, 116 Caribou Trl, Lutsen
Schroeder – Tuesday, May 12, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Schroeder Town Hall, 124 Cramer Rd, Schroeder
Tofte – Thursday, May 14, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Tofte Town Hall, 7240 Tofte Park Rd, Tofte
County-wide – Thursday, June 18, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Cook County Courthouse – Commissioner’s Room, 411 W 2nd Street, Grand Marais
Kirsten Wisniewski April 19, 2026
