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At Monday’s meeting of the Stanly County Board of Commissioners, County Tax Administrator Clinton Swaringen presented information to the board regarding this year’s upcoming revaluation process.

Revaluation is required by state law, Swaringen said, once every eight years “to maintain equitable and uniform values. Stanly County reassesses property values every four years to limit the impact of the revaluation and more fairly distribute the tax burden.”

The process is to determine “the fair market value” of all the county’s properties, which is the price estimated in terms of money at which the property would change hands between a willing and financially able buyer and a willing seller.”

Swaringen said the Stanly tax office uses appraisal specialists (like realtors) to provide data for the revaluation.

In a graph, Swaringen showed the average sale price in 2020 was $215,477 based on 794 sales, but four years later and 806 sales, the average price was $337,972, an increase of 56%.

Out of 21 counties going through revaluation in North Carolina, the average increase statewide is 52%.

Increases or decreases vary according to property type, neighborhood and market forces, Swaringen said.

Swaringen noted the county tax rate decreased from 2021, from 67 cents per $100 of value to 61 cents.

Swaringen said the number-one question is whether the revaluation makes property taxes higher for residents. He said the answer is unknown until commissioners and town councils set their various budgets.

He added 50% of the county’s revenue comes from taxes, which would mean if those taxes were done away with, citizens would have “50% less sheriff’s deputies, 50% less 911 dispatchers, 50% less ambulances on the road. You have 50% less school funds, and 50% less funds for Stanly Community College.”

Taxpayers may request an informal hearing with county staff to appeal the revaluation, which Swaringen said could result in a decrease, increase or no change in their revaluation. Taxpayers can appeal to the county’s Board of Equalization and Review, and to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission. However, taxpayers will need legal representation for the state board.

The five-person Stanly County Board of Equalization and Review is chaired by Amanda Cody, with Garrett Allen as vice chair. The other board members are H. D. Efird Jr., Michael Hatley and Jim Starnes.

Tax revaluation notices are scheduled to be mailed out between March 17 and 21.

A dedicated phone line for questions and appeals, Swaringen said, has been established. The number is 704-986-3662. Written appeals may be mailed to the tax administration office.