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1987-12-08 Special Meeting 7~ MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, DECEMBER 8, 1987 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met in Special Session on Tuesday, December 8, 1987, at 7:00 o'clock P.M. in Courtroom #317 Princess Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. ,--, i \ LJ Members present were: Commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.; W. Albert Corbett, Jr.; Fred Retchin; Chairman, John M. Dolan; County Manager, G. Felix Cooper; County Attorney, Robert W. Pope; and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F. Harrell. Vice-Chairman 0' Neal was absent due to a planned trip out-of-town. Chairman Dolan called the meeting to order stating the purpose of the meeting was to meet with the New Hanover County Taxpayers Legal Fund to discuss concerns with reference to the the 1988 Property Tax Revaluation. He stated handouts were available, if so desired, which briefly explain the revaluation process. Chairman sign in and minutes. Dolan requested persons wishing to comment to limit their remarks to approximately five The following persons commented expressing concern for the method used by the Tax Department in assessing property values which has produced tremendous increases in properties throughout the county: I' , I L.J Mr. Alex Gardell Mr. Ken Rene' D'Auborn' Mr. Robert Kendrick Mr. C. S. Holiday Mr. James Hobbs Mr. Richard Baker Ms. Madalynne Bodey Mr. Carl Winner Ms. Bobbie H. Boney Mr. Jim Gurganus Mr. R. J. Davis Mr. N. E. Piner Mr. J. Ryder Lewis Mr. Ed Warner Mr. Ed McKee The main concerns presented were as follows: 1. A 400% increase in property value of a lot that cannot be used for construction due to denial of a septic tank permit. However, since the sewer system will be available in the near future, the value of the lot has been increased by 400%. The two questions asked were: (1) why increase the property value until the sewer system is available; and (2) why increase the property value until construction begins and the sewer system is being utilized? " L 2. Concern for rezoning of property from residential to commercial with no real control over the rezoning. Yet, property values increase to the point that it is impossible to pay the taxes on the rezoned property, particularly for elderly citizens who do not wish to give up their homes. 3. Concern for the overall increase in property values throughout New Hanover County, particularly at Carolina Beach where property values have decreased instead of increased. 4. Concern for the manner in which citizens are treated when seeking information from the Tax Department. '24 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, DECEMBER 8, 1987 (CONTINUED) 5. Concern for performing the revaluation earlier than the eight-year period as required by state law. 6. Concern for increased tax bills even if the tax rate is reduced for Fiscal Year 1988-89. Mr. Robert Kendrick, President of the New Hanover County Taxpayers Legal Fund, requested the Commissioners to withdraw the recent revaluation in order to allow his association ample time to work with the State for repeal of property taxes. He also asked for the resignation of the Tax Administrator. Mr. Kendrick stated a petition, signed by property owners throughout the County, supporting withdrawal of the recent evaluation will be be filed with the Clerk to the Board before January 1, 1987. Mr. Kendrick requested a reply by December 21, 1987, and emphasized the importance of repealing the revaluation in order to determine true property values. ,- L commissioner Barfield commented on the growth rate in New Hanover county, particularly Planned Unit developments such as Landfall and NorthChase, which are constructed for wealthier individuals. He stated developments of this type could have an impact on surrounding property owners and recommended scheduling a work session with the Tax Department for an explanation of how various properties have been reappraised. He stressed the importance of hearing from the Tax Department before responding to the requests submitted by Mr. Kendrick. Discussion was held on state laws governing the revaluation. County Attorney Pope stated the State of North Carolina requires that each county must revaluate real property at market value at least every eight years. He stated the Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution requesting authorization from the state to perform the revaluation at an earlier date. He commented on the appeal process stating every citizen has a right of appeal if he is dissatisfied with the reappraisal. He outlined the following appeal process: (1) request an informal hearing with the Tax Appraisal Office, and if not satisfied; (2) request an appeal before the Board of Equalization and Review, and if not satisfied; (3) appeal to the N. C. State Property Tax Division. ,- L commissioner Retchin stated the purpose for performing the revaluation earlier was to avoid large increases in property taxes within one year, and to more gradually raise land values as the County grows. He stated one county in North Carolina performs annual revaluations. Discussion was held on withdrawal of the revaluation. County Attorney Pope stated there was no provision in the North Carolina Machinery Act to undo what has been done and again recommended the process of appeal for dissatisfied citizens. Discussion was held on certification of appraisers. Commissioner Retchin stated he would check into this matter. ,. Vice-Chairman Dolan stated a scheduled with the Tax Department would be notified of the date and persons present for attending the their concerns. work session would be and that Mr. Kendrick place. He thanked the meeting and expressing L i---- MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING, DECEMBER 8, 1987 (CONTINUED) 7 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Corbett to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED AS FOLLOWS: Voting Aye: Commissioner Barfield Commissioner Corbett Commissioner Retchin Chairman Dolan (I I LJ Absent: Vice-Chairman O'Neal Chairman Dolan adjourned the meeting at 10: 26 0' clock P.M. Respectfu~:~submitted, ~_.~.~~ ~ F. Harrell Clerk to the Board [ r w ---,