With the issuance of the state's tentative multiplier, Massac County Assessor Gary Hamm said one of the goals in his office has been to educate and inform the people of Massac County about the property tax cycle.

Hamm said the duties of the supervisor of assessments are to ensure equitable value across the county and maintain homestead exemptions on qualified parcels. According to state statute 35 ILCS200/9-10, the office of the chief county assessment office shall be open all year during business hours to hear or receive complaints or suggestions that property has not been assessed properly.

"The common misconception about the supervisor of assessment office is that the office is involved in the actual taxing of property," said Hamm.

"The supervisor of assessments only provides the assessment of property," he said. "This assessment is utilized as part of the formula used to calculate the final tax bill. Taxing bodies, such as the school districts and hospitals, which are listed on the tax bill set the tax rate and the county treasurer serves as county collector."