Board of Equalization and Review | April 7, 2026

Buncombe County Board of Equalization and Review Meeting Recap – April 7, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Equalization and Review convened on April 7, 2026, to formally transition from an informal appeal period to a formal one for property reappraisals. This meeting, attended by Board members and County staff, focused on preparing for a significant influx of appeals stemming from recent property value adjustments. The discussions centered around managing the high volume of cases, ensuring a fair and transparent review process for residents, and providing adequate support to both the Board and appellants.

A key decision made during the meeting was the unanimous vote to officially close the informal appeal period, marking the commencement of the formal appeal process. This formal period will run from April 7th through May 5th, 2026. The Board acknowledged the substantial workload ahead, currently managing approximately 7,300 appeals with expectations of reaching upwards of 10,000 as residents respond to their reappraisals. This increase is largely attributed to market changes since 2021 and the resulting percentage increases in property valuations. To manage this volume, the Board plans to hold a training session on May 5th with the Department of Revenue (DOR) and subsequently schedule appeal hearings beginning in June, gradually increasing frequency as needed.

Discussions highlighted several important aspects of the appeal process. Board members engaged in a conversation regarding appraisal practices, specifically how finished basements are factored into property valuations. They also received updates on ongoing field clinics – appeal assistance events – occurring throughout the county, including locations near Lake Buies and Lester Community Center. A potential clinic specifically for Habitat for Humanity is under consideration, pending coordination with the organization and an assessment of staff capacity. The Board also reinforced the importance of recusal, reminding members to step aside from any appeals where they previously assisted the appellant during a field clinic. Chair Randall Barnett emphasized a gradual approach to handling the high volume of cases, while Director Joe provided updates on the current appeal numbers and ongoing field clinic efforts.

There were no formal public comments during this meeting, however, the discussions clearly reflected a widespread understanding of community concerns regarding property reappraisals and their potential impact on tax bills. The Board stressed the importance of residents understanding the “revenue neutral rate” published by county commissioners, as many initial appeals are driven by reactions to tax bills.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. Board members have been asked to submit any specific questions or topics they’d like covered in the upcoming DOR training within the next two weeks. Staff member Cassie will contact Habitat for Humanity to explore the feasibility of a dedicated clinic. The Board will finalize a schedule for appeal hearings, which are slated to begin in June. Finally, email communication will be sent out regarding nominations for chair and the DOR training is scheduled for May 5th. This meeting signifies a pivotal moment in Buncombe County's property reassessment process, and the Board is committed to ensuring a fair and accessible appeal system for all residents.