Prince George County receives updated property appraisal notices amid confusion

The Prince George County Budget Work Session held on May 6, 2025, focused on significant discussions regarding property assessments and communication challenges between the county and its residents. Key officials addressed concerns about the clarity of property value notices and the process of property inspections.

During the session, officials acknowledged a previous misunderstanding regarding who could change and accept land use applications. They reported improvements in communication but recognized that confusion still existed among residents. A notable point of discussion was the issuance of property value notices, with officials clarifying that only 3,221 notices would be sent out for parcels that had changes in value. This raised questions about the initial notices, which some officials admitted were not clearly labeled as preliminary.

The meeting also highlighted the methods used for property assessments. Officials explained that while they conducted virtual inspections using aerial imagery for most properties, only about 100 parcels received physical inspections. This raised concerns among council members about the adequacy of the assessment process, especially given the large number of properties in the county.

In response to questions about the assessment process, officials emphasized their commitment to transparency by providing comprehensive sales data to residents. However, they acknowledged that the term "working papers" could be vague and led to misunderstandings.

The session concluded with a commitment to improve communication and ensure that residents receive clear and accurate information regarding property assessments. The next steps involve mailing the updated notices to residents, expected to arrive early next week. This meeting underscored the county's ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and address community concerns regarding property valuations.