Property Appraisal HIgh? Here's What You Can Do!

Lakeland residents are expected to receive their new tax assessment this week.  Mayor Scott Carmichael visited with Shelby County Assessor Cheyenne Johnson and staff to learn about the new assessments and steps Lakeland residents can take if they feel the reappraisal is incorrect.

Some important steps to take if you feel the appraisal is too high:

1. Contact the Shelby County Assessor’s office at 901 222-7001  immediately!  If you submit information by April 8, the Assessor may be able to make adjustments (if warranted) by April 20, without further action on your part!

2.  Check the Shelby County Assessor Web Site www.assessor.shelby.tn.us.  This web site has a wealth of information for comparing the appraisal of your house with other properties.

After reviewing the information, if you feel there is evidence your property is appraised too high, call the Assessor’s Office with your information.

The Assessor’s Office staff has been very helpful to Lakeland residents, and residents are encouraged to call with any questions.  

The Assessors Web Site can assist in determining if your property is properly appraised.  The web site includes neighborhood sales data and comparisons including based on size, age etc. is possible.  

Assessor Cheyenne Johnson advised Mayor Carmichael of some interesting information regarding the City of Lakeland property.

-The average value of a Lakeland house is $222,400

-The average house value declined by 6.61% in the past four years. By comparison, appraisal values increased 18% in 2001, 30% in 2005 and 15% in 2009.

-Appraised value of all Lakeland property is $1,246,232,100 (Residential value is $1,114,492,400)

-Lakeland has 4,031 parcels.  The median year for home construction is 1998.  By comparison, the median year for Arlington is 2004l  Bartlett, 1990; Collierville, 1995; Germantown, 1981; Millington, 1974; Memphis, 1961; and the unincorporated Shelby County area, 1996.

Mayor Carmichael urges all Lakeland residents to carefully review the property value information act quickly if you feel the appraisal of your property is too high.  Cheyenne Johnson, the Shelby County Assessor, also urges you to call her office with any questions.  Her staff is ready to assist with any questions.  Responding before April 8, 2013 if you feel your property is appraised is especially important.

Canada Road/I-40 Bid Opening Set

BID OPENING FOR CANADA ROAD/I-40 INTERCHANGE REPLACEMENT SCHEDULED

October 18, 2013 is the scheduled big opening by the Tennessee Department of Transportation for the interchange replacement of the Canada Road/I-40 interchange.  The project construction is expected to take approximately two years.  Plans are for at least a two lane road (one lane each way) to remain open during construction.  

The interchange replacement will also activate construction of the following locally and grant funded projects:

-Traffic signals at Beverle Rivera and Canada Road (by McDonalds).  This   project is part of the Canada Road/I-40 Interchange project and is funded by TDOT as part of the project.

-Extension of Beverle Rivera Drive to Seed Tick Road.  This is a locally funded   project.  

-Resurfacing/reconstruction of a portion of Huff & Puff.  This project is funded by an 80% federal/state grant.

-Connecting road or roads from Beverle Rivera to Huff & Puff.  This project is funded by TDOT as part of the Canada Road/I-40 Interchange project

The interchange project, especially in conjunction with the other projects, is expected to be a major incentive for extensive commercial and other development in this area.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS STATUS

Capital Improvement Projects are in progress or planned as follows:

-New Canada Road:  This project will include rerouting of the existing Canada Road from a two lane to a four lane road.  

The preliminary Engineering Plans are complete and the next phase, purchase of easements or property needed is starting in the near future.

The project is 80% funded by a grant, with the remaining 20% paid by local (property tax) funds.

-Hadley Street:  A portion of Hadley Street that failed is being reconstructed.  This project is in progress.  This is funded 100% by local (property tex) funds.

-Blue Bird Cove drainage/street improvements. This project will resolve a major drainage problem in this area and it is almost complete.  The project is 100% funded by local (property tax) funds.

-Steward Road bridge:  This project is scheduled to start this summer after school is out.  An inspection indicated that the bridge needed extensive repairs.

The City contracted with Shelby County for the labor and equipment to preform the repairs and purchased the material for the County to install.

This project is completely funded by local (property tax) funds.

There will a a detour during the construction period.

MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS

The Municipal School issue is being discussed in the Tennessee State Legislature and, based on the vote and input from City residents, Mayor Scott Carmichael, Vice Mayor Cecil Tompkins and Commissioners Don Barber, Randy Nicholson and Gerrit Verschuur have actively supported state legislation to allow residents to develop municipal schools.

Our state representatives, Senator Mark Norris and Representative Ron Lollar have been active in  this issue and we especially want to express our appreciation for their diligence in actively supporting the right of municipalities to have a municipal school.  

ADOPT A STREET LITTER CONTROL

Litter on Lakeland streets has been a continual problem, as with all cities.  We are reviewing our current methods of controlling and picking up litter.  In response to comments from residents, I have made a special effort to observe the litter problem in all Lakeland neighborhoods.  We are looking a alternatives to our current procedures to assist in resolving this problem.

The city has started an “Adopt a Street” program where individuals and groups can “Adopt a Street” fro litter control.  The City will provide safety equipment and material.

Interested persons may contact Jesse McCabe at 867-2717 or JMcCabe@Lakelandtn.org for additional information.  

Board of Commissioners Work Session 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Board of Commissioners Work Session, 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 26, 2013.  AGENDA

Arbor Day event is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23rd

Mayor Scott Carmichael will accept Lakeland’s 9th consecutive Tree City Award  and 8th Consecutive Growth Award at the annual Arbor Day event at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2013.  The event is at City Hall Park and is scheduled to include recognition of the Lakeland Elementary School Arbor Day poster contest as well as a visit by Shawn  Posey, representing the Tennessee Division of Forestry.

Natural Resource Director Eric Bridges developed the first Tree City Award and has been successful in being awarded the Growth Award each succeeding year.  The Growth Award.

All Lakeland and area residents are encouraged to attend this event. 

According to the Arbor Day Foundation web site, “The Tree City USA Growth Award is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to recognize higher levels of tree care by participating Tree City USA communities. The Growth Award highlights innovative programs and projects, increased commitment resources for urban forestry, and provides an opportunity to share new ideas and successes across the country”.

The Lakeland Natural Resource Board is active in developing activities supporting Natural Resources and trees,  including the annual Lakeland Outdoors Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 4,  2013 at the International Managerial Park.

Municipal Planning Commission meeting Monday, March 18, 2013

The Lakeland Municipal Planning Commission will be meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 18, 2013.

AGENDA

BE PREPARED! CERT CLASSES STARTING!

BE PREPARED!  CERT CLASSES STARTING MARCH 7!  Weekend or evening classes available! Information:   http://www.lakelandtn.gov/?nid=207