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The Lake County Director of Equalization is appointed by the Lake County Board of Commissioners.

The function of the Director of Equalization Office is to annually value all real property in Lake County at its full and true value. The Director of Equalization and staff are responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all real property within Lake County. They are also responsible for linking real properties to their respective owners and placing assessed values and owners' names on the assessment roles. Types of properties included in the assessment process are: residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural classes of property.

The Director of Equalization has a number of additional responsibilities which include providing equalization between classes of property; deciding on adjustments to properties; reviewing all abatements; administering all state laws pertaining to the ad valorem property tax assessment; providing for the review and appeal of assessments; testifying in court on assessments; and deciding on tax exemptions and tracking each exemption.

The Director of Equalization and appraisal staff must be certified by the South Dakota Department of Revenue in order to assess real property for tax purposes. After initial certification appraisers must be re-certified every five years. Requirements for re-certification include; attending and passing the annual Department of Revenue sponsored school; attending workshops, and attending the South Dakota Association of Assessing Officers Conferences.

Staff

Rick Becker

Director of Equalization Send an Email

Deb Blanchette

Deputy Director of Equalization Send an Email

Chris Downs

Field Appraiser Send an Email

Janessa Schiernbeck

Field Appraiser Send an Email

Contact Information

Main Office

Address:
Lake County Equalization
200 E Center St
Madison SD 57042

Phone:
605-256-7605
Fax:
605-256-7626

Office Hours:
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday (excluding Holidays)

Announcements

CUP / Variance Deadline - 4/1/2024
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Complete applications due for CUPs and Variances to be considered at the 4/16/24 meeting

Plat Deadline - 3/25/2024
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Complete applications due for Plats to be considered at 4/2/24 meeting

March - License Plate Renewal F/G/J
Friday, March 1, 2024

Vehicle License plate renewal for vehicle owners with the FIRST letter in their LAST NAME that begins with F or G or J.

Tax Assessment Freeze Program Deadline
Friday, March 1, 2024

Elderly and disabled South Dakotans have until April 1, 2023 to apply for property tax relief under South Dakota's Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled Program. Applications are available at the local treasurer offices and on the Department of Revenue's website here.

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