BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The Baldwin County Board of Equalization concluded real and personal property tax hearings Aug. 26 after hearing 1,611 appeals, and bills totaling $118 million will be mailed Oct. 1, according to Revenue Commissioner Teddy Faust.

The abstract was created for valuation notices sent earlier this year to 190,297 property owners. The hearings resulted in a 1.5 percent decrease in valuation which will be reflected on the Oct. 1 bills, Faust said.

The total tax from the 2010 abstract was $126.4 million.

“The appeals consisted of a mixed bag of complaints,” Faust said. “Many involved assessment issues that have nothing to do with appraised values.”

Property owners who receive certain homestead exemptions will begin receiving a letter this week requesting information required on an annual basis.

“In the past, a post card was mailed,” Faust said. “However, we are requesting additional proof of residency this year.”

Exemptions available for property owners 65 or older are based on taxable income levels, and must be confirmed by providing federal and state tax returns for review.

Anyone with disability status also may apply for total tax exemption if confirmed by Social Security Disability, the state Veterans Administration or two physicians, Faust said.

All property owners listed on homestead property must provide a state driver’s license with a Baldwin County address or a photo identification card such as a non-driver photo identification card or passport with a Baldwin County address.

The information must be presented by Dec. 31. For more information, call the Baldwin County Revenue Commission at 251-937-0245.