Property Increased 4% in Value in 1997

The value of assessed property in the county rose about 4% last year, to about $1.9 billion, the county assessor’s office said.

However, 10,000 Ventura County residents will pay less in property taxes on their next bills because their property values declined as of Jan. 1, said Daryl R. Brown, chief deputy assessor.

Because values were fixed as of New Year’s Day, the assessment does not reflect recent large jumps in property values.

The assessment roll includes more than 275,000 properties, including land, boats and aircraft.

Anyone who believes their property has declined in value but does not receive a notification letter should contact the clerk of assessment appeals at 645-1307 and ask for an application to change his or her assessment.