Actual property levies on this west-central Minnesota county fund important public companies corresponding to faculties, libraries, roads, and emergency companies. These levies are primarily based on the assessed worth of properties, together with residential houses, business buildings, and agricultural land. For instance, a house owner’s annual cost is decided by multiplying their property’s assessed worth by the relevant mill charge set by the county.
Secure and predictable income generated by these assessments permits native governments to keep up and enhance infrastructure, present essential companies to residents, and foster financial progress inside the group. The programs historic context is rooted within the states structure, which mandates native governments to boost income primarily by property taxation. This ensures native management over important companies and direct accountability to the group.
Understanding the evaluation course of, cost choices, and obtainable exemptions is essential for property homeowners. The next sections will discover these matters intimately, offering useful assets and insights for navigating the native tax system.
1. Assessed Values
Assessed values kind the inspiration of property tax calculations in Pope County, Minnesota. The county assessor determines these values, representing a property’s estimated market price. This valuation course of considers varied elements, together with property dimension, location, age, situation, and up to date gross sales information of comparable properties. A direct relationship exists between assessed worth and the tax burden: a better assessed worth leads to a better tax legal responsibility, whereas a decrease assessed worth results in a decrease tax legal responsibility. For example, two an identical properties situated in several areas might need completely different assessed values attributable to variations in native market situations, influencing their respective tax burdens.
Understanding the evaluation course of is essential for property homeowners. Accuracy in assessments ensures equitable tax distribution. Property homeowners can problem assessments they deem inaccurate by a proper appeals course of. This course of permits for presenting proof supporting a unique valuation. Efficiently interesting an inflated evaluation can considerably scale back property tax liabilities. For instance, if a property’s assessed worth is decreased by 10%, the corresponding tax legal responsibility will even lower proportionally. This highlights the sensible significance of understanding assessed values inside the property tax system.
Correct and truthful assessed values are important for a practical property tax system. They make sure that every property proprietor contributes proportionally to the funding of native companies primarily based on their property’s market price. By understanding the connection between assessed values and tax liabilities, property homeowners can interact extra successfully with the system, guaranteeing truthful illustration and contributing to the general fiscal well being of Pope County.
2. Mill Charges
Mill charges are a crucial element of property tax calculations in Pope County, Minnesota. Expressed as {dollars} per $1,000 of assessed worth, they signify the tax levied on properties. Native authorities our bodies, together with county commissioners, faculty boards, and metropolis councils, yearly set mill charges to fund their respective budgets. These charges straight affect the general property tax burden for landowners. For instance, a mill charge of 10 mills means a property proprietor pays $10 for each $1,000 of their property’s assessed worth. Subsequently, a property assessed at $200,000 would incur a tax legal responsibility of $2,000 yearly underneath a 10-mill charge.
Mill charges mirror the monetary wants of native governments and the price of offering public companies. Components influencing mill charge changes embody adjustments in property values, budgetary necessities for companies like schooling and public security, and native financial situations. If the full assessed worth inside the county will increase, the mill charge might lower to generate the identical income. Conversely, if the county finances will increase, the mill charge might must rise to cowl the extra bills. For instance, a considerable improve in demand for public schooling might necessitate a better mill charge to fund the elevated prices related to offering academic companies. Inspecting historic mill charge tendencies provides useful perception into the county’s fiscal administration and the general tax burden on residents over time.
Understanding mill charges and their fluctuations empowers property homeowners to anticipate potential adjustments of their tax liabilities. Analyzing the elements comprising the composite mill charge, which incorporates levies from varied taxing authorities (county, metropolis, faculty district, and so on.), permits for a extra granular understanding of how funds are allotted and utilized. This information facilitates knowledgeable participation in native authorities discussions regarding budgetary issues and tax coverage, contributing to a extra clear and accountable monetary ecosystem inside the county.
3. Fee Deadlines
Adhering to cost deadlines is essential for property homeowners in Pope County, Minnesota, to keep away from penalties and preserve good standing. These deadlines make sure the well timed assortment of income important for funding public companies and sustaining the county’s monetary stability. Lacking a deadline can lead to penalties corresponding to late cost charges, curiosity costs, and potential liens on the property. Understanding the structured schedule and obtainable cost choices helps property homeowners fulfill their tax obligations effectively.
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First Half Fee Deadline
Usually due in mid-Might, the primary half cost permits property homeowners to separate their annual tax legal responsibility into two installments. This provides flexibility in managing funds and reduces the fast monetary burden. Failure to fulfill this deadline leads to penalties calculated on the excellent first-half quantity. For instance, a 1% penalty on a $2,000 first-half cost leads to a $20 penalty. Paying by the deadline avoids these further prices and retains the tax cost plan on monitor.
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Second Half Fee Deadline
Usually due in mid-October, the second half cost completes the annual tax obligation. Just like the primary half, lacking this deadline incurs penalties, however these are calculated on the complete remaining annual steadiness. This can lead to considerably greater penalties than lacking the first-half deadline. Planning for this cost properly prematurely helps keep away from late charges and potential issues. For instance, setting reminders or automating funds can help in assembly the deadline and sustaining good standing.
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Penalty Calculation and Accrual
Penalties for missed funds are calculated as a share of the excellent quantity and accrue every day. The particular share and accrual charge are decided by state and county rules. Understanding the precise calculation methodology helps estimate potential penalty prices and reinforces the significance of well timed funds. Staying knowledgeable about these calculations permits for higher monetary planning and reduces the danger of surprising bills.
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Fee Choices and Channels
Pope County provides varied cost choices, together with on-line funds, mail-in checks, and in-person funds at designated places of work. Understanding these completely different channels and their respective processing occasions is essential for guaranteeing well timed funds. On-line funds provide fast affirmation, whereas mailed funds require cautious consideration of postal supply occasions. Selecting essentially the most handy and dependable cost methodology primarily based on particular person circumstances ensures environment friendly and well timed tax cost.
By understanding and adhering to those cost deadlines and using the obtainable cost choices, property homeowners in Pope County, Minnesota, contribute to the environment friendly functioning of native authorities and the supply of important companies. Accountable tax cost practices promote a secure fiscal surroundings, benefiting each particular person property homeowners and the group as a complete. Furthermore, understanding the penalty construction and using obtainable assets permits for proactive monetary administration and avoidance of pointless prices.
4. Exemptions
Property tax exemptions in Pope County, Minnesota, provide particular property homeowners potential reductions of their tax burden. These exemptions, established by state and native legal guidelines, goal to alleviate monetary pressure on sure teams or promote particular land makes use of. Understanding eligibility standards and software procedures for related exemptions is essential for maximizing tax advantages. Cautious consideration of those provisions can contribute considerably to particular person monetary planning.
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Homestead Exemption
The homestead exemption reduces the taxable worth of a major residence, offering tax reduction for owner-occupied houses. Eligibility sometimes requires the property to be the proprietor’s major dwelling and meet particular residency necessities. For example, a qualifying house owner would possibly see a discount of their assessed worth, resulting in a decrease tax legal responsibility. This exemption goals to make homeownership extra inexpensive and encourage secure communities.
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Agricultural Exemption
Agricultural land used for farming or different agricultural functions might qualify for decreased tax assessments. This exemption acknowledges the financial contribution of agriculture and encourages the preservation of farmland. A farmer actively working their land would possibly profit from a decrease tax charge in comparison with a equally sized property used for residential or business functions. This incentivizes continued agricultural exercise inside the county.
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Disabled Veterans Exemption
Sure disabled veterans might qualify for property tax exemptions, recognizing their service and sacrifices. Eligibility standards usually contain particular incapacity rankings and residency necessities. This exemption provides monetary assist to those that have served the nation and should face challenges attributable to service-related disabilities.
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Senior Citizen Exemption
Senior residents assembly particular age and revenue necessities might qualify for property tax reduction. This exemption goals to help older residents on fastened incomes in managing their property tax burden. The particular revenue thresholds and exemption quantities might differ primarily based on state and native rules. This provision helps guarantee senior residents can stay of their houses regardless of potential monetary constraints.
Navigating the complexities of property tax exemptions requires cautious consideration to element and adherence to particular tips. Accessing obtainable assets offered by the Pope County Assessor’s workplace can help property homeowners in figuring out eligibility and finishing the applying course of. Using these exemptions successfully can considerably impression particular person property tax liabilities and contribute to total monetary well-being inside the context of the broader property tax system in Pope County.
5. Appeals Course of
The appeals course of supplies a vital mechanism for property homeowners in Pope County, Minnesota, to problem assessed property values they imagine to be inaccurate or unfair. This course of performs an important function in guaranteeing equitable taxation by providing a proper channel for contesting valuations and presenting supporting proof. Initiating an enchantment sometimes entails submitting a written discover with the county assessor inside a specified timeframe, outlining the grounds for the enchantment and offering documentation supporting a unique valuation. For example, a property proprietor would possibly current current gross sales information of comparable properties, proof of property harm impacting worth, or skilled value determinations to reveal the present evaluation’s inaccuracy.
A number of elements can justify initiating an enchantment. A big discrepancy between the assessed worth and the perceived market worth, errors in property information used within the evaluation, or adjustments within the property’s situation affecting its worth can all warrant an enchantment. For instance, if a property’s assessed worth considerably exceeds current sale costs of comparable properties in the identical space, an enchantment could be warranted. Equally, if the evaluation incorrectly lists the property’s sq. footage or contains enhancements that don’t exist, an enchantment can rectify these errors and doubtlessly result in a decreased evaluation. Understanding the potential penalties of an inaccurate evaluation, corresponding to inflated tax liabilities, underscores the sensible significance of the appeals course of. Efficiently interesting an evaluation can lead to substantial tax financial savings, significantly for properties with important valuation discrepancies.
Efficiently navigating the appeals course of requires cautious preparation and presentation of compelling proof. Property homeowners ought to collect supporting documentation, together with value determinations, comparable gross sales information, and pictures, to bolster their case. Understanding the county’s particular procedures and deadlines is crucial for guaranteeing the enchantment is processed successfully. Whereas the method provides a useful avenue for redress, it additionally requires diligence and a transparent understanding of the related rules. Using obtainable assets, corresponding to consulting with property tax professionals or accessing info from the county assessor’s workplace, can considerably enhance the probability of a profitable enchantment and contribute to a fairer property tax system inside Pope County.
6. Native Companies Funding
Property tax income types the cornerstone of native companies funding in Pope County, Minnesota. This income stream straight helps important public companies, together with schooling, public security, street upkeep, library companies, and parks and recreation. The direct connection between property taxes and the standard and availability of those companies underscores the significance of a secure and predictable property tax system. For instance, funding for native faculties depends closely on property taxes, impacting trainer salaries, academic assets, and facility upkeep. Equally, property tax income helps regulation enforcement companies, hearth departments, and emergency medical companies, guaranteeing public security inside the group. Enough street upkeep, important for secure and environment friendly transportation, additionally depends considerably on property tax funding.
Analyzing the allocation of property tax income reveals the prioritization of various service areas inside the county. A good portion sometimes helps schooling, reflecting the group’s dedication to investing in future generations. Public security companies additionally obtain substantial funding, demonstrating the significance positioned on sustaining a safe surroundings for residents and companies. The remaining income helps varied important companies, together with street upkeep, library operations, and parks and recreation, contributing to the general high quality of life inside Pope County. For example, a big improve in property values inside a selected space might result in elevated tax income allotted to the faculties serving that space, doubtlessly enabling enhancements in academic packages and assets. Understanding this connection between property taxes and native companies empowers residents to interact extra successfully in native authorities decision-making processes regarding useful resource allocation and finances prioritization.
Efficient administration of property tax income is essential for guaranteeing the continued provision of significant companies. Challenges corresponding to fluctuating property values, altering budgetary wants, and financial downturns can impression the obtainable assets. Accountable fiscal planning and clear communication relating to income allocation construct public belief and foster a robust sense of group possession over the funding of native companies. Exploring different funding mechanisms and diversifying income sources can improve the long-term sustainability of native companies and mitigate the impression of potential financial fluctuations. Finally, the connection between property taxes and native companies highlights the significance of a well-functioning and equitable property tax system in sustaining the general well-being and prosperity of Pope County.
7. Funds Dedication
Funds dedication in Pope County, Minnesota, is inextricably linked to property tax income. The annual finances course of, performed by varied native authorities our bodies together with the county fee, faculty boards, and metropolis councils, straight influences the property tax charges levied on property homeowners. These governing our bodies challenge their expenditure wants for the upcoming fiscal yr, contemplating elements corresponding to projected service prices, infrastructure initiatives, and worker salaries. The distinction between projected expenditures and different income sources, corresponding to state and federal funding, determines the quantity of income that have to be generated by property taxes. This income requirement, mixed with the full assessed worth of properties inside the jurisdiction, dictates the required mill charge. For example, if the county initiatives a finances deficit and requires an extra $1 million in income, and the full assessed property worth is $1 billion, the mill charge would want to extend by one mill to cowl the shortfall.
Public enter performs an important function within the finances dedication course of. Public hearings and alternatives for group suggestions enable residents to voice their opinions relating to finances priorities and proposed spending ranges. This participatory course of ensures transparency and accountability, permitting residents to affect how their tax {dollars} are allotted. For instance, if residents categorical sturdy assist for elevated funding for public libraries, the county commissioners would possibly prioritize library funding inside the finances, doubtlessly necessitating changes in different areas or a slight improve within the mill charge. Conversely, if residents categorical issues over rising property taxes, the governing our bodies would possibly discover cost-saving measures or search different funding sources to mitigate the tax burden. This dynamic interaction between finances dedication and public enter underscores the significance of citizen engagement in shaping native fiscal coverage.
Efficient finances dedication requires cautious balancing of group wants and obtainable assets. Challenges corresponding to fluctuating property values, surprising financial downturns, and growing demand for public companies can complicate the method. Sound fiscal planning, coupled with prudent income forecasting and expenditure administration, are essential for sustaining a secure and sustainable fiscal surroundings. Understanding the connection between finances dedication and property taxes empowers residents to take part meaningfully in shaping native priorities and guaranteeing accountable stewardship of public funds. This energetic engagement contributes to a extra responsive and accountable native authorities, fostering a stronger sense of group possession over the allocation and utilization of tax income.
8. Taxpayer Sources
Navigating the complexities of property tax in Pope County, Minnesota, may be difficult. Entry to complete and available taxpayer assets is essential for property homeowners to know their obligations, train their rights, and interact successfully with the native tax system. These assets present important info, steering, and assist, empowering property homeowners to make knowledgeable selections relating to their property taxes.
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Pope County Assessor’s Web site
The official web site of the Pope County Assessor’s workplace serves as a central hub for property tax info. It supplies entry to property data, evaluation particulars, mill charge info, exemption purposes, and particulars concerning the appeals course of. Property homeowners can use the web site to analysis their property’s assessed worth, perceive how their tax legal responsibility is calculated, and entry crucial types for exemptions or appeals. For instance, a property proprietor can obtain the homestead exemption software kind straight from the web site, saving time and guaranteeing entry to essentially the most up-to-date model. This on-line useful resource considerably streamlines the method of gathering info and interacting with the assessor’s workplace.
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Tax Fee Portal
A web based tax cost portal provides handy and safe cost choices for property homeowners. This portal facilitates well timed funds, eliminating the necessity for mailing checks or visiting the county workplace in individual. Property homeowners can entry their tax statements on-line, view cost historical past, and schedule automated funds. This automated system reduces the danger of missed deadlines and related penalties, selling environment friendly tax administration. For example, a property proprietor touring throughout a cost deadline can simply make a cost on-line, avoiding late charges and sustaining compliance.
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Property Tax Guides and FAQs
Informative guides and ceaselessly requested questions (FAQs) present clear and concise explanations of assorted elements of the property tax system. These assets handle widespread taxpayer questions relating to assessments, exemptions, appeals, and cost procedures. They make clear complicated terminology and supply sensible examples to help understanding. For instance, a information would possibly clarify the distinction between market worth and assessed worth, clarifying how these values are decided and their impression on tax legal responsibility. These simply accessible assets empower property homeowners to navigate the system with confidence.
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Buyer Service Representatives
Direct entry to customer support representatives on the assessor’s workplace or the county treasurer’s workplace provides customized help to taxpayers. Property homeowners can contact these representatives by cellphone or e-mail to deal with particular questions, resolve points, or search clarification relating to their tax obligations. For instance, a property proprietor uncertain about their eligibility for a selected exemption can contact a consultant to debate their scenario and obtain steering. This customized assist ensures that property homeowners obtain the required help to navigate the often-complex property tax system successfully.
Efficient utilization of those taxpayer assets is essential for navigating the property tax system in Pope County. These assets empower property homeowners to know their rights and tasks, guaranteeing correct assessments, maximizing eligible exemptions, and making knowledgeable selections relating to their property taxes. Entry to those assets promotes transparency, accountability, and a extra equitable property tax system inside the county, benefiting each particular person property homeowners and the group as a complete. By proactively using these assets, property homeowners contribute to a smoother, extra environment friendly, and fairer property tax course of in Pope County.
9. Property Classifications
Property classifications in Pope County, Minnesota, play a basic function in figuring out how actual property is assessed and taxed. Completely different classifications, assigned primarily based on the property’s major use, result in various evaluation ratios and tax burdens. These classifications mirror the various vary of land makes use of inside the county, together with residential, business, agricultural, industrial, and seasonal leisure properties. The classification system ensures that properties are taxed pretty primarily based on their meant function and financial contribution. For instance, a residential property, labeled as residential homestead, might need a unique evaluation ratio and relevant exemptions in comparison with a business property used for retail functions. This distinction acknowledges the differing financial actions related to every property sort and goals to create a extra equitable tax construction. Understanding these classifications is essential for property homeowners to precisely anticipate their tax liabilities and guarantee compliance with native rules.
The sensible implications of property classifications lengthen past tax assessments. Classifications affect zoning rules, land use planning, and improvement insurance policies inside the county. For example, agricultural land designated for agricultural use might need restrictions on improvement to protect farmland and encourage agricultural exercise. Equally, commercially zoned properties adhere to particular constructing codes and utilization rules distinct from residential zones. This interconnectedness between property classifications and land use planning ensures accountable improvement and the preservation of the county’s character. Moreover, understanding property classifications may be instrumental in property valuation and funding selections. The classification of a property supplies useful perception into its potential makes use of, restrictions, and future improvement potentialities, informing funding methods and contributing to knowledgeable decision-making.
Correct and constant software of property classifications is crucial for sustaining a good and environment friendly property tax system in Pope County. Challenges corresponding to evolving land use patterns, altering property values, and the necessity for periodic updates to the classification system require ongoing consideration. Common evaluation and refinement of the classification system guarantee it stays related and precisely displays present land use practices. This ongoing course of contributes to a extra equitable and clear property tax system, supporting the sustainable improvement and financial well-being of Pope County. Finally, understanding property classifications empowers property homeowners, builders, and policymakers to make knowledgeable selections that form the way forward for the county’s panorama and financial well being.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to the property tax system in Pope County, Minnesota. Understanding these key elements helps property homeowners navigate the system successfully and handle their tax obligations effectively.
Query 1: How is property tax calculated in Pope County?
The tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed property worth by the relevant mill charge. The mill charge, set yearly by native governing our bodies, represents the tax levied per $1,000 of assessed worth.
Query 2: What are the cost deadlines for property taxes?
Funds are sometimes due in two installments: the primary half in mid-Might and the second half in mid-October. Particular deadlines can be found on the Pope County web site and tax statements.
Query 3: What occurs if a property tax cost is missed?
Late funds incur penalties, together with curiosity costs and potential liens on the property. The particular penalty calculation is offered by the County Treasurer’s workplace.
Query 4: What exemptions can be found to cut back property tax legal responsibility?
A number of exemptions, together with homestead, agricultural, disabled veteran, and senior citizen exemptions, might scale back tax burdens. Eligibility necessities and software procedures can be found by the County Assessor’s workplace.
Query 5: How can assessed property values be challenged?
Property homeowners can problem assessments by a proper appeals course of by submitting a written discover to the County Assessor inside the specified timeframe. Supporting documentation, corresponding to comparable gross sales information or value determinations, strengthens the enchantment.
Query 6: How are property tax revenues utilized inside Pope County?
Revenues fund important native companies, together with schooling, public security, street upkeep, library companies, and parks and recreation. The allocation of funds displays native finances priorities decided by governing our bodies.
Understanding these ceaselessly requested questions supplies a foundational understanding of the property tax system in Pope County. Additional inquiries may be directed to the County Assessor’s or Treasurer’s workplace for customized help.
For extra info and assets, please seek the advice of the Pope County web site or contact the related county places of work straight.
Suggestions for Navigating Pope County, MN Property Taxes
Managing property taxes successfully requires understanding key elements of the native system. The next suggestions present useful insights for property homeowners in Pope County, Minnesota.
Tip 1: Perceive Property Valuation: Repeatedly evaluation property assessments to make sure accuracy. Components influencing valuation embody property dimension, location, age, situation, and up to date gross sales information of comparable properties. Consciousness of those elements permits for proactive evaluation monitoring and potential appeals if discrepancies come up.
Tip 2: Discover Out there Exemptions: Analysis and make the most of relevant exemptions, corresponding to homestead, agricultural, veteran, or senior citizen exemptions, to doubtlessly scale back tax liabilities. Eligibility necessities and software procedures can be found by the County Assessor’s workplace.
Tip 3: Monitor Mill Charge Adjustments: Keep knowledgeable about annual mill charge changes set by native governing our bodies. Understanding mill charge fluctuations helps anticipate potential adjustments in tax liabilities and permits for knowledgeable finances planning.
Tip 4: Adhere to Fee Deadlines: Well timed funds stop penalties and preserve good standing. Make the most of obtainable cost choices, together with on-line funds, mail-in checks, or in-person funds, and select essentially the most handy and dependable methodology. Setting reminders or automating funds ensures adherence to deadlines.
Tip 5: Make the most of Out there Sources: Leverage assets obtainable by the County Assessor’s web site, corresponding to property tax guides, FAQs, and on-line cost portals. These assets provide useful info, steering, and handy entry to important companies.
Tip 6: Interact in Native Authorities: Take part in public hearings and finances discussions to voice opinions relating to tax insurance policies and native companies funding. Lively engagement promotes transparency and accountability inside the native authorities’s fiscal decision-making processes.
Tip 7: Keep Correct Information: Preserve thorough data of property assessments, tax funds, and exemption purposes. Organized documentation simplifies the appeals course of if crucial and facilitates correct tax reporting.
By implementing the following tips, property homeowners can navigate the complexities of the Pope County property tax system successfully. Proactive engagement and knowledgeable decision-making contribute to environment friendly tax administration and guarantee truthful illustration inside the local people.
Understanding and actively managing property taxes contributes to a wholesome monetary outlook and helps important native companies inside Pope County. These proactive measures profit particular person property homeowners and the general monetary well-being of the group.
Understanding Property Taxes in Pope County, MN
Cautious examination of the property tax system in Pope County, Minnesota, reveals its multifaceted nature, encompassing assessed values, mill charges, cost deadlines, exemptions, appeals processes, native service funding, finances dedication, obtainable taxpayer assets, and property classifications. Every element performs a vital function in shaping the general tax burden and guaranteeing equitable distribution of assets for important public companies. Understanding these interconnected components empowers property homeowners to navigate the system successfully and handle their tax obligations effectively.
Efficient stewardship of property tax income stays essential for sustaining the monetary well being of Pope County and guaranteeing the continued provision of important companies. Knowledgeable engagement by property homeowners, coupled with clear and accountable governance, fosters a sustainable fiscal surroundings, contributing to the general well-being and prosperity of the group. Continued exploration of those points and energetic participation in native authorities processes are very important for shaping a sturdy and equitable property tax system that serves one of the best pursuits of Pope County residents.
