Buena Vista County Assessor Joe Cronin addressed the Board of Supervisors during its weekly meeting yesterday morning, responding to a wave of public concern over this year’s property valuation notices—concerns amplified by a widely shared Facebook post from a Storm Lake realtor.
Supervisors invited Cronin to speak during the “hear the public” portion of their weekly meeting. Board Chair Paul Merten said he wanted residents to get accurate information about the valuation process, noting such social media posts have urged residents to contact supervisors directly.
Cronin said his office has already begun fielding calls and scheduling appointments for property owners who want to review their assessments with Vanguard Appraisals, the Cedar Rapids firm hired to conduct the countywide revaluation.
Residential appointments will be held March 2-6, with commercial hearings set for March 9-13.
Cronin told supervisors the largest increases this year are showing up in rural residential land—particularly the first acre, which carries the highest value under Vanguard’s updated methodology. He said the firm analyzed sales across the county and extracted land values from improved property sales, a process that can produce sharp jumps in areas where market activity has been strong.
He emphasized that the assessor’s office is required by law to follow the market, not set it.
Cronin also addressed criticism circulating online, including claims that properties are being overvalued. He pointed to one example involving a longtime critic of the assessment process.
He said that sale price was 11.6 percent above the assessed value—and if similar trends continue, the county will be required to raise values again next year.
Supervisors asked whether private appraisals—such as those used for bank financing—could be submitted during the review process. Cronin said they may be interesting to read, but they do not determine assessed value.
He encouraged residents to use the formal avenues available: meeting with Vanguard, visiting with assessor staff, and, if needed, filing with the Board of Review.
Cronin also addressed complaints that Vanguard didn’t enter some homes. He said exterior clues—like chimneys or venting—are used when interior access is denied, and owners can bring photos to their appointments if something has changed.
Cronin said his office has reviewed thousands of parcels and continues to work with Vanguard to resolve discrepancies. He told supervisors he doesn’t enjoy raising values but must keep assessments aligned with the market and follow state requirements.
