Board of Equalization and Review Meeting | May 5, 2026

Board of Equalization and Review Meeting Recap – May 5, 2026

The Buncombe County Board of Equalization and Review convened on May 5, 2026, to address property appeals and review procedural matters. This meeting, a critical component of the county's tax assessment process, was attended by Board members Randall Barnett (Chair), Preston Edwards, Katerina Liger, and Dr. Glenda Weinert. The Board's primary function is to hear appeals from property owners who disagree with their assessed property values, as outlined by North Carolina General Statutes.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to procedural training provided by Stan and Lindsey from the North Carolina Department of Revenue. This session clarified key distinctions for board members, including the differences between mass appraisals (used to assess many properties at once) and individual tax appraisals, as well as the legal requirements for property owners to accurately list their properties. The presentation also detailed the critical difference between "discoveries" (when a taxpayer fails to list property) and "immaterial irregularities" (errors made by the county in assessing or recording a property), using a Catawba County case as an example. Board members were repeatedly reminded to adhere strictly to state statutes and seek guidance from county legal counsel when navigating complex cases, emphasizing the importance of upholding due process and equal protection under the law. Dr. Weinert shared a personal experience with an appeal case that reached the state Supreme Court, further highlighting this commitment to fairness.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting. The Board unanimously approved the minutes from their previous meeting on April 7th, 2026. They also approved two late exemption applications – one for the Buncombe County Medical Society Corporation and another for a church property, finding sufficient justification for the delays. A notable change in leadership occurred with Glenda Weinert appointed as Chair and Rachel Barnett as Vice-Chair. The Board formally closed the appeal period, noting a substantial volume of appeals currently being processed – estimated at approximately 15,000 by the end of the day.

There were no direct public comments or testimony during this meeting. However, the sheer volume of appeals being processed was a recurring topic and a significant factor shaping discussions about future workload management.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified to ensure a smooth and efficient appeals process. The Board will receive an official email from the Department of Revenue confirming the exact number of appeals currently in process. They will also transition to a new meeting location at 35182 College Street for future hearings. The Department of Revenue will focus on streamlining processes and providing additional support to the Board, while board members are encouraged to review county bylaws regarding late exemption applications and discovery procedures. Finally, a confirmation email will be sent out regarding the tentative start date of future hearings on June 22nd.

This meeting underscored the Board's crucial role in ensuring fair and accurate property assessments for Buncombe County residents. The focus on procedural clarity, coupled with the acknowledgement of a high volume of appeals, signals an ongoing commitment to managing this complex process effectively and upholding the rights of both property owners and the county.