Tulsa County Assessors Touring Homes Damaged By Storms

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA COUNTY -- Tulsa County assessors are visiting homes damaged in May's storms. It's their job to determine if homeowners deserve a lower assessed value with the damage.

More than a week after devastating storms ripped through one South Tulsa neighborhood, tarps still line the roofs, carpenters are still working and government appraisers are knocking on doors. 

Tulsa County Assessor Ken Yazel says dozens of homes sustained damage in the storms, but only a handful of homeowners have called his office asking for an appraisal.

"We seem to not be hearing from the people that have damage," Yazel said.

It's an important phone call because homeowners can possibly get a lower assessed value on their property..

To report damage, and request an inspection, property owners are asked to call the Tulsa County Assessor's Office at (918) 596-5100.

To process the request, property owners will be asked for their name, address of the property, account number of the property if known and a daytime telephone number.

5/21/2010  Related Story: Tulsa County Homeowners With Storm Damage Need To Contact County Assessor

"We're looking for a reduction of functionality in that home, if someone had to leave the home. Or a commercial business, and did not get the full 12 months use out of it," said Yazel.

Evangelista McClendon has lived in her home for 25 years. She said she had no clue her property value could be lowered because of roof damage.

But what if you've already repaired all the damage from the storm?  Yazel says you can still qualify for lower property assessed value, as long as you have documentation or pictures showing how bad it really was.

"It's better than being the enemy of the taxpayer. The government needs to help the taxpayer," Yazel said.

And with many roofs still wearing the scars of storm damage, Yazel says residents need to know help is out there.

Tulsa County has about 30 appraisers who determine if the property value should be lowered. You can contact their office at (918) 596-5100.

5/17/2010  Related story: Cleaning Up From Last Week's Storm Continues In Tulsa