053095A meeting scheduled by Chairman Phil Kemp was held at John Lawrence Elementary
School, Archdale, NC, at 7:00 p.m. on May 30, 1995. Commissioners Kemp, Frye, and Davis
were present. Also present were Tax Assessor Billy Chilton, Tax staff Debra Hill and Ben Chavis,
and County Manager Frank Willis.
Chairman Kemp stated that Mr. Chilton has asked the Commissioners to consider holding
the next revaluation in 1997 (4 -year cycle) rather than waiting until 2001 (8 -year cycle) and that
the Board would like input from the public before making a decision.
Mr. Chilton explained why he feels the revaluation cycle should be shortened to 4 years.
(See May 22, 1995 minutes.)
Comments from the Public
Dean Smith opposed a 4 -year revaluation cycle, saying that it would require too much
time and effort on the part of taxpayers who want to appeal their values. He also opposed the
appeal process. He said Commissioners hide behind revaluation as a way to raise taxes, that
citizens should be able to appoint 4 or more Equalization and Review Board members, and that
itemized tax bills should be sent out to everyone in the county.
Kermit Farlow, senior citizens, said that when one stops earning income, he becomes
sensitive to tax increases and that his taxes have gone up every time there has been a revaluation.
He also expressed concern for young married couples trying to buy a house.
Roy Scarborough said tax money should be spent on law abiding citizens instead of on
law breakers.
Worth Cox asked about getting a separate tax bill for each property he owns and asked
how Tax Department appraisers do appraisals. Mr. Chilton explained that his staff does appraisals
the same way fee appraisers do.
Marty Elkes said that the 8 -year cycle is easier for the citizens and said he wants less
government.
Ed Gavin stated that citizens are very fortunate to have such conscientious people serving
as County Commissioners. He reminded the audience that the Commissioners also have to sit and
listen to all those asking for revenues as well as those asking them to keep taxes down. He favors
the 4 -year cycle, noting that when we postpone revaluation for 8 years, the shock of the new
values is much greater.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.