Before the assessed valuation of public utility property is finally determined, the director of property valuation shall cause to be sent to each public utility a statement of the appraised valuation of the utility’s property. The determination contained in such statement shall not require an adjudicative proceeding under the Kansas administrative procedure act. The statement shall inform the public utility of the right to an informal conference as provided in this section. The failure to request an informal conference shall not preclude any appeal under Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 74-2438 and amendments thereto. If a public utility has any objection to the statement as issued, the public utility shall, within 15 days of the date of mailing of such statement, notify the director in writing of such objection. Within 30 days of the date of receipt by the director of such written objection, the director shall hold an informal conference with the public utility and shall issue a written finding, ruling, order, decision or other final action thereon, which finding, ruling, order, decision or other final action shall become effective for purposes of the appeal as provided by Kan. Stat. Ann. §§ 74-2438 and amendments thereto, three days following the mailing of a copy thereof to the public utility. Informal conferences held pursuant to this section may be conducted by the director or the director’s designee. The rules of evidence shall not apply to an informal conference and no record shall be made except at the request and expense of the director or the public utility.

At any time before certification of the assessed valuation to the counties, the director may correct any valuation that will make it more just and equal.