In the April 18, 2024 edition of the Franklin Times (Louisburg, NC), a front page story shared with the public an exchange between the Franklin County Commissioners and Pearson Appraisals regarding Franklin County Land revaluations. In the wake of that exchange Pearson is reevaluating all 45,000 land values established by the company in their recent valuation effort for Franklin County
Times writer Carey Johnson said that the pledge by Fred Pearson “came under a subtle threat from county officials.”
The story goes on to explain that Pearson has heard 700 appeals from residents and has another 1,500 written appraisals to review. Franklin Commissioner Michael Shriver said welcoming appeals by land and home owners isn’t enough.
Compare that to Granville County’s revaluation situation and we see Pearson used the same tactic, “welcoming appeals.”
However, what’s not being said is that homeowners or landholders are essentially unarmed in making appeals. Residents have no tools at their disposal to make a rational, data based appeal to Pearson or the County. That fact is what appraisers and counties might be counting on as inflation and migration into the area continues to jack up home values out of proportion to a stabile pattern of normal growth.
Should Granville County officials roll on with mass appraisal values that favor future escalation of tax revenue collections, or should county commissioners represent the views and values of the people that elected them?
Isn’t it unconscionable for elected representations to ignore the outcry of people that will pay the price for unbridled government-fed inflation and uncontrolled regional migration?
Instead of proceeding toward an April 29 deadline to appeal, the Granville County commissioners should pause the process, reflect on public reaction, and tell Pearson the same thing Franklin County told Pearson. You’re wrong. Set property values properly.