Board of Equalization and Review Meeting

Buncombe County Board of Equalization and Review Meeting Recap – September 15, 2025

The Buncombe County Board of Equalization and Review met on September 15, 2025, to address property tax appeals as mandated by North Carolina state law. Chaired by Randall Barnett and attended by board members Phil Blake, Katarina Leaguer, and Preston Edwards (with Dr. Glinda Weiner absent), the meeting focused primarily on reviewing appeals filed by property owners seeking adjustments to their assessed property values. The board's decisions directly impact individual taxpayers and contribute to the overall health of Buncombe County’s tax base.

The meeting began with unanimous approval of a consent agenda, streamlining routine approvals including prior meeting minutes, updates to property values, and late exemption applications. The core of the session was dedicated to hearing three specific property tax appeals. In the case of 1 Hendersonville Road, owned by Suits Me LLC, the appellant sought a reduction due to structural damage. After considering evidence presented by the County Assessor's Office, which demonstrated that buildings on the property had been destroyed and proposed a valuation based solely on land value, the board voted 4-0 to uphold the County's assessment. Appeals for properties at 824 Riverside Drive and Skylock Apartments were also heard, but the appellants failed to appear. In both instances, the board voted 4-0 to accept the County’s assessment, acknowledging that no opposing evidence was presented.

Throughout the hearings, several key discussion points emerged regarding property valuation methodologies. The County Assessor reinforced that appellants bear the responsibility of proving an assessment is incorrect, a crucial point for anyone considering filing an appeal. Discussions also centered on the impact of flood zone regulations and rebuilding requirements, particularly for properties along the river. The County highlighted its use of a flood adjustment chart to account for these factors when determining property values, and indicated ongoing efforts to refine this tool. The board also referenced recent comparable sales, such as the Orange Peel property, to inform their understanding of fair market value.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified following the meeting. The County will continue to utilize and refine its flood adjustment chart for properties within flood zones, ensuring consistent application of regulations. Board Chair Barnett announced plans to review and streamline internal regularity rules and processes, potentially incorporating feedback on the use of visual aids like PowerPoint presentations. Finally, the appellant in the 824 Riverside Drive case will now proceed with their appeal through the Property Tax Commission, a standard procedure when an appellant doesn’t appear to present their case. Residents considering appealing their property tax assessment should be aware of the burden of proof and the importance of presenting evidence to support their claims.