Buncombe County Struggles as Property Reappraisal Deadline Approaches Amidst Leadership Crisis

Buncombe County Faces Turmoil as Property Reappraisal Approaches

In Buncombe County, recent events have thrown a significant wrench into the gears of the property reappraisal process. With the clock ticking and the deadline looming for the 2025 property reappraisal, the county has found itself without key leadership in its Tax Assessment Office. Just two weeks ago, the office lost its director along with the top administrative coordinator, creating a ripple effect that has led to the resignation of all five volunteer members of the Board of Equalization and Review.

Board Resignation and Leadership Changes

The Board of Equalization and Review, which traditionally operates between October and December to handle appeals from property owners, now finds itself in limbo. Board Chair Miriam McKinney sent two letters to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners on September 13, warning them that board members would resign if Tax Assessor Keith Miller was dismissed. On September 17, after Miller was indeed fired for what the county described as “good cause,” the board members officially submitted their resignations.

As a result, the county is left without a board to hear last year’s appeals. Currently, there are six business appeals and one residential appeal pending, according to county spokesperson Kassi Day. The county is now on an urgent mission to fill the vacated board positions to ensure that property owners have a platform for their concerns.

What’s Next for the Tax Assessment Office?

The Tax Assessment Office, which is now overseen by interim Tax Assessor Eric Cregger, faces a Herculean task in the next three months. The office is responsible for appraising more than 132,000 properties in the county before the January 1 deadline. Under state law, counties are required to conduct property reappraisals every eight years, but larger counties like Buncombe typically conduct these reviews every four years.

Kevin Keene, a consultant hired earlier this year to evaluate the Tax Assessment Office’s fairness and equity, voiced concerns about how the recent upheaval could impact the appraisal process. “Any significant change in resources or methodology can potentially affect the outcome,” Keene stated. However, he was cautious about predicting the exact effects that the recent changes might have.

Impact on Property Revaluations

Despite the chaos, county spokesperson Lillian Govus assured residents that the loss of the Equalization and Review Board would not derail the ongoing reappraisal efforts. “We do not anticipate this to have any effect on the property revaluations,” Govus stated. She emphasized the county’s commitment to ensuring that the property assessment team has all the necessary support and resources to provide excellent service during this critical time.

Govus encouraged all property owners to check their listings on the county’s tax website to confirm their property details are correct. The anticipation leading up to the reappraisal is palpable, and the county is keen on setting things right.

Reasons Behind Leadership Changes

The turbulence in the Tax Assessment Office began with the firing of Keith Miller on September 17. He was dismissed due to alleged conflicts of interest after purchasing a condominium in Hilton Head Island, S.C. The sale raised questions about whether it could influence his official duties. Miller had previously attempted to retire on September 4 but was met with pushback from the county’s leadership.

McKinney and the other board members backed Miller in their communications with the commissioners. They praised his dedication and claimed that his leadership had led to various achievements for the department, including prestigious accreditations and innovative programs aimed at assisting the community with tax appeals.

A Call for Community Support

This story is ongoing, and more developments are expected in the weeks to come. As Buncombe County navigates this tumultuous period, local residents are encouraged to stay informed. A strong community is essential, especially in times of uncertainty, and engaging with local news is a key part of that process. Whether through comments or constructive dialogue, every voice matters as we collectively navigate these challenges ahead.