Carroll residents voice concerns over rising property taxes and appeal process

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 3, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding property evaluations and the impact on local residents, particularly farmers. Several community members expressed concerns about rising property values and the associated tax burdens.

One resident highlighted discrepancies in statements made about door-to-door outreach regarding property evaluations, asserting that no such efforts occurred in their area. They emphasized the lack of infrastructure in their private development, which only has electricity, and criticized the inflated property assessments that do not reflect the realities of their living conditions. The resident suggested extending the appeal deadline to allow more community input following the meeting.

Another speaker, Glenn McMillan, a lifelong resident and fifth-generation farmer, voiced frustration over the increased valuation of his property, which rose by $80,000. He expressed concern that such increases threaten the ability of local farmers to maintain their land and livelihoods. McMillan urged the board to consider the financial strain on residents and to implement measures that would support farming in the area.

Richard Bailey, a newer resident who moved to Carroll County three years ago, shared his experience of a significant jump in his property evaluation from $320,000 to $500,000. He acknowledged some improvements made to his property but questioned the rationale behind such a steep increase.

The meeting underscored the growing anxiety among residents regarding property taxes and valuations, particularly in rural areas where farming is a primary livelihood. The board's response to these concerns and any potential actions to address the issues raised will be closely watched by the community in the coming months.