Buncombe County Tax Assessor Terminated Over Conflict of Interest Issues

Buncombe County’s Tax Assessor Fired Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

In a surprising turn of events just three months before a significant tax appraisal that will impact all property owners, Buncombe County has made a bold move by terminating its Tax Assessor, R. Keith Miller. The firing was officially announced during a special county commissioners’ meeting held on September 17. The reason? A potential conflict of interest linked to Miller’s recent purchase of a condominium in Hilton Head, South Carolina, alongside an employee who reported directly to him.

What Happened?

During the meeting, the Board of Commissioners presented documentation indicating that Miller and his subordinate, referred to as R.S., jointly bought the condo for a whopping $685,000 back in June. Notably, this employee resigned just days before Miller was let go. The Board unanimously voted 5-0 to terminate Miller’s employment immediately, leaving him to face the ramifications of this decision, including the chance of losing his $140,000 salary and the benefits that come with nearly three decades of public service.

Why Was Miller Fired?

Commissioner Chair Brownie Newman raised several concerns in a letter to Miller dated September 6, quoting that the “circumstances involving [your] personal business transactions and relationships… may constitute unacceptable personal conduct.” He pointed out that the condo transaction was registered under an LLC named Luxe Living, which had Miller’s county business address listed, suggesting a significant lapse in adherence to county policy.

Newman’s letter also noted that Miller failed to disclose his personal and financial relationships in his 2023 Annual Conflict of Interest disclosure. This omission is particularly concerning given the county’s stringent policies on conflict of interest. Thanks to state law 105-294, the board has the authority to remove an assessor from their position for “good cause,” which they determined was present in this case.

The Legal Side

Miller’s legal representative, Brian Elston, cautioned the board that the decision could lead to a “long and costly court battle.” He argued that the meaning of “good cause” is not clearly defined, and questions about the validity of the termination could arise in court. Elston expressed a willingness to find a middle ground and suggested that allowing Miller to retire might prevent a messy legal confrontation, emphasizing his long tenure without prior disciplinary issues.

Commissioners Respond

In response to the concerns regarding the potential legal implications, Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara made a motion to allow the county manager to publicly disclose the reasoning behind the decision to terminate Miller. The board agreed unanimously, signaling their commitment to transparency.

What’s Next for Buncombe County?

In the wake of this upheaval, the county acted quickly to ensure continuity in the Tax Assessor’s office by appointing Eric Cregger as the interim property assessor. Cregger, who previously served as assistant director of property assessment since September 2023, has a solid track record and extensive knowledge in the field dating back to 2015, a crucial factor as the county prepares for the upcoming property tax reappraisal.

The reappraisal, which affects every single property owner in Buncombe County and aims to align property values with current market conditions, is set to take effect on January 1. This process is critical after the last reassessment took place on January 1, 2021. According to Lillian Govus, the county’s communications director, the upheaval in leadership is not expected to impact this ongoing process. “We will ensure our property assessment team has the support and resources needed to fulfill our promise to our community,” Govus assured citizens.

A Community Concern

As Buncombe County residents engage with this unfolding story, many are left wondering about the implications this will have on their property assessments and the integrity of the county’s operations moving forward. With many issues still unanswered regarding the policies governing employee relationships and the extent of disclosures required of staff, it’s clear that the board’s decision has opened up a wider conversation about ethics, transparency, and accountability in local government.

As with any story of this nature, we encourage community members to stay informed and engaged. The outcome of this decision, and the future of property assessment in Buncombe County, will undoubtedly be of great interest to all residents.