Berry takes reins as PC Assessor
When Regina Berry walks into the Perkins County Assessor’s Office each morning, her goal is simple: make every taxpayer feel welcome and ensure they are treated fairly.
Berry officially stepped into the role of Perkins County Assessor after spending the past four years working in the office, including the last three and a half years as deputy assessor under Peggy Burton. Her promotion marks the culmination of a goal she set years ago after first joining the office as a clerk.
“I wanted to keep learning and eventually step into the county assessor role,” Berry said. “That goal has guided me ever since.”
Originally from Holt County, Berry was raised on a ranch where her family raised registered Hereford cattle and operated a dairy. She credits those early years milking cows before and after school with instilling a strong work ethic that has carried throughout her career. After earning a degree in Veterinary Technology in 2006, she made Perkins County her home and has held several management positions before joining the assessor’s office.
Berry said her years working within the office have prepared her well for the position. Since joining the assessor’s office in 2022, she has completed state-required education, earned her deputy assessor certification, obtained her IAAO 101 certification and fulfilled the continuing education requirements required of Nebraska county assessors.
Although property taxes often dominate conversations about the office, Berry said one of the biggest misconceptions is that the county assessor sets tax rates or collects taxes.
“The assessor’s office does neither,” she said.
Instead, the office is responsible for determining property values based on market conditions and state law, maintaining ownership records and property maps, administering exemptions such as the Homestead Exemption, and certifying values for the county’s taxing entities. Assessments are based on market value and are reviewed annually, while every property must be physically inspected every six years.
Berry said one of the ongoing challenges will be keeping property values current as market conditions continue to change.
“We follow state statute and assess property at market value,” she said. “We look at residential parcels individually to make sure everyone is treated equally.”
Customer service will remain one of her top priorities.
“I want taxpayers to feel welcome when they come to the Assessor’s Office and to be treated fairly and equally,” Berry said.
She also hopes to keep the office operating efficiently while maintaining a friendly and helpful atmosphere and plans to continue educating residents about the assessment process. The office utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, which is available to the public through subscription services.
Berry encourages residents who have questions or concerns about their property assessments to contact the office rather than hesitate.
“Communication is key,” she said. “If you need anything or have questions, please reach out. I’m here to make your life easier and to help in any way I can.”
She said helping residents understand the assessment process and programs such as the Homestead Exemption is one of the most rewarding parts of the job because it can ease some of the stress associated with property ownership and paperwork.
The Perkins County Assessors Office is located in the Courthouse at 200 Lincoln Avenue in Grant. They can be reached at 308-352-7540 or by email at rberry@perkinscounty.ne.gov. Fax is available at (308) 352-7542 Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; Closed Weekends and Holidays.
Their mailing Address: PO Box 248 Grant, NE 69140