Valuation statements are going out to Cook County property owners: what to look for and how to contest an error
Cook County property owners can expect to see 2025 property value statements in their mailboxes in the coming weeks. Many owners will see an increase in the value of their property. Property tax statements for 2025 were sent out recently by the auditor-treasurer’s department, and are separate from the 2025 value assessments.
County Assessor Bob Thompson told WTIP that the forthcoming statements are based on market data and, in some cases, property inspections or changes made in 2024. This can prove to be confusing to some owners, because of the delay they may see between work being completed, and the adjusted value appearing on their tax bill.
Thompson explained that the delay has to do with balancing the time it takes for assessments to be officially certified, and when the county begins their budget planning process. After valuation statements are sent out, property owners have time to contest or correct an assessment. It is only after Board of Appeal and Equalization meetings are held that the values can be certified with the state. At that point the county is planning a budget for the following year.
If property owners feel that their assessment is incorrect, they can appeal with the assessor’s office. Thompson said that residents should contact his office before the Board of Appeal and Equalization meetings, to hopefully come to an agreement before those meetings.
He added that a property owner might contest the value based on things like deferred maintenance or structural issues that an assessor might not have been aware of when valuing a property.
Thompson said that property owners should bring that information to his office when contesting, plus any sales or market research that the property owner has done that would suggest that the assessor made a mistake. “If there is relevant information that would affect the value of that property, we’ll definitely take a look at it,” he said.
Those looking to contest their assessments should contact the assessor’s office at 218-387-3650.
Board of Appeal and Equalization meetings will be held on the following dates:
- Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6:00 pm – Tofte property owners – 7240 Tofte Park Rd, Tofte, MN 55615
- Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 6:00 pm – Schroeder property owners – 124 Cramer Rd, Schroeder, MN 55613
- Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00 pm – Lutsen property owners – 116 Caribou Trl, Lutsen, MN 55612
- Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6:00 pm – All other Cook County property owners – 411 W 2nd Street, Grand Marais, MN 55604
WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with Assessor Bob Thompson. Audio from that interview can be found below.
Kirsten Wisniewski April 13, 2025
