County addresses property revaluation

ASHEBORO — In response to questions from property owners regarding the recent revaluation notices, Darrell Frye, chair of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners, issued the following statement:

As Commissioners, we understand the concerns and reactions to the recent revaluation process and the resulting changes in property values it has produced. First, the revaluation of real property is required of all 100 counties in North Carolina every four to eight years. The process is intended to set values as near as possible to their fair market value. Randolph County has chosen a four-year cycle to avoid even more "sticker shock" that occurs over longer terms, and to keep the required balance between real and utility properties, which are revalued every year. Secondly, the values are determined by actual sales transactions in your areas and as recorded in the County Register of Deeds Office.

  You want to know what happens next in the process. First, any property owner who believes there are issues with their property that could have been missed or are unknown and would affect the value of the property can appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review for a possible adjustment. The E&R Board is comprised of a peer group of county property owners who are able to avoid outside influence. The request for an appeal is filed through the Randolph County Tax Office and you will be given a specific appointment time at your convenience.

  Finally, and probably what matters most, during the Commissioner's budget process through this June, we will consider the increase in tax revenue and will make a reduction in the actual property tax rate to lessen the impact of the new values. During that process, we will look at what is a "Revenue Neutral Rate" — the revenue that would have been available if there had been no re-val. Past history confirms that at the end of this process, some people will pay less tax than before and some will pay more. 

  Our intent is to lessen the impact of the value increases as much as we can and maintain County services as needed and required. We continue to experience cost pressures on law enforcement, EMS, County Schools, and other County Departments. We cannot risk losing our trained and necessary employees to other area governments who are paying higher salaries.”

— Darrell Frye, Chairman, Randolph County Commissioners