New appraisals topic at meeting Jan. 18

Representatives of Pearson Appraisals of Richmond, Va. will be on hand for an informational meeting with the Alleghany County Commission on Jan. 18.

The commissioners are scheduled to meet at 3:30 that day, but the exact time of the session with Pearson was not announced at the meeting Dec. 18. The county typically releases an agenda the week prior to meetings.

The meeting was requested by commissioners to address the revaluation that recently was completed in the county. Tax Administrator Mary Walker said that Bob Pearson and Donnie Smith will be available to answer general questions, but specific taxpayer questions cannot be answered at the meeting.

Commissioner J. Warren Taylor said the meeting needs to be one focusing on general questions about how the revaluation of property is done.

Walker said the tax record cards and other information needed to answer more specific questions about individual cases will not be available for those attending the meeting.

Commissioner Milly Richardson said, "I want to make sure we invite people to ask questions. There are still people who want to address their appraisal."

Walker said she encourages every taxpayer to take a look at their property tax record card to ensure that all the details are accurate. Donnie Smith, who had been in Alleghany to review the appraisals with taxpayers, had his last day here on Dec. 15, said Walker. "Taxpayers may still appeal to the Board of Equalization and Review," she said. She noted that Alleghany handles its revaluation process like all the other counties in the state.

Commissioner Doug Murphy said he had also heard questions about the appraisals.

County Manager Don Adams noted that Pearson is still available to help the county and has expressed a willingness to work with Alleghany officials.

Get the rest of this article in this week's issue of the Alleghany News! Back