Lexington County residents will learn how much their home values have increased beginning in March, after County Council decided to go forward with this year’s scheduled reassessment.

The county’s legislative delegation had requested a one-year delay while it worked on property tax reform. But some council members were concerned there was no clear tax plan and wanted to give residents enough time to appeal their reassessment.

“I see no assurance coming out of the State House that we’re going to get any relief,” Councilman Joe Owens said.

“I believe we’re just delaying the inevitable.”

Under state law, counties are required to reassess the value of property every five years. Counties are allowed a one-time one-year delay.

Lexington County residents have protested higher home values following reassessment in the past. Last year Richland County delayed reassessment because County Council members were unsure whether Gov. Mark Sanford would sign a proposed cap on property values.

County assessor Rick Dolansaid his department would send out reassessment notices beginning the first week of March. If a resident disputes the value of his property, based on square footage, type of home and sale prices of nearby homes, he has 90 days to appeal.

Dolan told council that if he had to wait to send out reassessment notices, July’s tax bills might overlap with reassessment appeals.

“Let’s get these values corrected before tax bills go out,” he said.

Dolan would not give an average increase for a Lexington home, but he said many homeowners should expect 3 percent to 4 percent increases per year over the past five years .

Homeowners who see an increase in property value might not see an equivalent increase in property taxes.

Homes closer to Lake Murray have gone up more than average Dolan said, while many of the county’s manufactured homes have gone down in value.

Councilman Bobby Keisler supported the delay, hoping the General Assembly could find a way to reduce property taxes this year.

“I still feel like we should give them a chance,” he said.

But other council members said any property tax relief would still apply after reassessment.

Moving forward with reassessment, said councilwoman Debbie Summers, meant residents would have time to appeal.

“We have to go ahead with our plan,” Summers said. “If they (legislators) help us anyway, that’s great, but there’s no plan there yet.”

Reach O’Connor at (803) 771-8435 or johnoconnor@thestate.com.