PIERRE, S.D.(KJJQ)- The method for assessing agricultural land for property taxes in South Dakota changed over a decade ago but a legislative committee continues to oversee the process.

Starting in 2011, ag land was valued and taxed based on productivity instead of sales price. The change was made after several years of skyrocketing values on farm land.

The Ag Land Assessment Task Force met this week in Pierre to review the system. They received a rundown from Wendy Semmler, Director of the Property Tax Division for the South Dakota Department of Revenue.  Semmler was asked if the productivity model is working. She says,

Semmler believes that was the intent of the change.

Committee Chair, Representative Kirk Chafee of Whitewood, says there are a couple of concerns.

None of the members had any proposed legislation for the coming year and
this will likely be their only meeting for 2023.