Average lot value up 34% in Burke

Burke revaluation may raise tax bills; it depends on the final rate

Thursday, March 29, 2007

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

Living in Burke County could get more expensive this year.

The tax value of properties, including nearly 58,000 homes and buildings in the county, increased in value by an average of 34 percent, officials said.

Homes and land lining Lake James and along downtown Morganton's West Union Street saw the biggest jumps, said Tax Administrator Danny Isenhour, although he was not sure how much, on average, those properties increased in value.

Commissioner Chairman Wayne Abele said the increase was expected.

"You have to remember that six years ago, people out on the lake bought property for $100,000, and now they've built homes for $350,000," Abele said. "Of course the property value will increase."

State law requires N.C. counties to revalue commercial and residential properties at least every eight years, but it can be done more frequently.

The most recent revaluation in Burke was six years ago, and Abele said he hopes the county will consider revaluing property every four years instead.

"When you do a (revaluation), the idea is to get your property or house up to market value," he said. "On a four-year cycle, you won't have as much of sticker shock."

Higher tax values mean property owners could pay more in taxes this year unless commissioners lower the tax rate, now at 59 cents per $100, to compensate for the rise in property values.

"The figures we're dealing with now are so raw that it's hard to see where we're really at," said Abele. "My goal would be to get that down to 52 cents."

County Manager Ron Lewis said he expects to see taxes drop below the 59-cent mark but won't be sure how low that number could get until the county completes its budget.

"Right now it's a moving target," Lewis said, "and I don't know where it will stop."

Property owners received notice of the new values earlier this month and should expect to see the values reflected in tax bills, scheduled to be mailed in June, Isenhour said.

The informal appeal process ended Friday with 3,552 appeals filed, but Isenhour said owners who disagree with the new values are still encouraged to file a formal appeal, which should include photographs and explanations of why they think the revaluation was incorrect, with the county tax office.


How to File a Formal Appeal
Send the property appraisal, along with an explanation of what is incorrect and photographs and other supporting evidence, to the Board of Equalization and Review, P.O. Box 219, Morganton, NC, 28680. For information, call the county tax office at 828-438-5400.


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