Statement on Lowering the Property Values to the Beaufort County Commissioners | Eastern North Carolina Now

    I have been trying to get before this body and the public since the first of this year relative to the Property Tax evaluations, especially those touching water.

    My wife and I own 1085 Bayview Road. It is classified as a "fisherman's Cottage." It is on a lot 50' wide X 200' long. I has been here since the early 50's. It was plainly built with no amenities. It has been minimally upgraded with paint, insulation, window air units. It's floors creak. When we first moved in year round 4 years ago you could not get the inside temperature above low 50's in winter.

    It's not fancy! The tax assessment is $1,200. I cannot sell it for the value assessed. No one at Bayview is selling houses for appraised value. I am told the typical sale in the last few years in Beaufort County is 30% below appraised value.

    I think it is time to change our Property Tax to real values NOW!

    Paul Tine and Senator Cook both sent me information pertaining to the NC statute governing this. It states there must be a re-evaluation every 8 years. It DOES NOT STATE that such could be done earlier by vote of the Beaufort County Council.

    I beg you to do just that. In this meeting or in the next one, please vote to reduce Property Taxes 30% across the board. The only exception I could see is farm property if it were not raised 4 years ago along with residential.

    Let's make it: Any Property evaluated upwards 4 years ago.

    I have heard the excuse, "We must do a formal assessment at $1,000,000+. My response is ---"Who will complain about their property tax being reduced by 30% when most of us feel we are being unfairly treated on Property Taxes.

    NC law provides that each County may assess its own taxes under direction of the County Council duly elected.

    With all due respect, I URGE you to do it quickly, please.