Residents criticize steep Nash County revaluation as county outlines appeal steps

Two Nash County residents used the board’s public‑comment period on April 1 to urge clarity and relief after recent property revaluation notices that, they said, produced large tax‑bill increases.

Dr. Kim Koop told commissioners her home’s assessed value rose 77.6% under the county’s revaluation — from $246,950 to $438,720 — and that the county‑level tax at 67¢ per $100 combined with a Rocky Mount levy would push her total annual tax bill to about $5,944. “I live on a fixed income,” Koop said, urging the board to explain “how did you arrive at your numbers?” and to identify ways seniors can mitigate tax burdens.

Nancy Taylor, a Whitaker resident, told the board that her town faces high water and sewer bills and that a sample of 43 parcels she reviewed showed an average assessment increase of 58.5%; she asked whether assessors visited properties and why some very old or damaged houses saw large increases while newer homes rose only modestly.

County staff played an informational video for residents that explained the technical trigger for the revaluation: North Carolina’s sales assessment ratio process. The county said its selected sample of recent sales produced a sales‑to‑assessment ratio low enough to require an early countywide reassessment; officials told the board the county last reassessed in 2017 and market shifts have driven values higher since then.

Chairman Davis reminded homeowners that the county includes both an informal and a formal appeals process and that the informal appeal phone line is available for appointments. County staff repeated that the deadline to file an appeal is April 15 and that the board will set the tax rate later in the year as part of the budget process; the tax‑rate decision is expected by June 30, after which the county will issue 2024 tax bills.

The county also directed residents with questions to the tax office’s phone line (listed in the county materials) and encouraged people with large increases to use the appeal process before the April 15 deadline. Commissioners said they have heard from many residents and pledged to work through appeals and the budget process with citizens to address concerns.