Assessment board affirms property valuations despite appraisal inconsistencies

The Albemarle Board of Equalization convened on May 12, 2025, to address concerns regarding property assessments in the county, ultimately affirming the assessor's evaluations despite notable discussions on inconsistencies in property value adjustments.

During the meeting, board members scrutinized the rationale behind significant value reductions for properties with solar panels and pools. One member highlighted discrepancies, questioning how a property could see a $59,000 reduction due to solar panels while another property with similar features received no adjustment. The board acknowledged the lack of market data supporting these reductions, indicating a need for clearer guidelines in property assessments.

The discussion also revealed confusion over property ages listed in appraisals, with one appraisal mistakenly stating a property was 15 years old instead of the correct 8 years. This typographical error raised concerns about the accuracy of the assessments and the potential impact on property values.

Despite these discussions, the board unanimously voted to affirm the assessor's evaluations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established appraisal practices. Members noted that while some properties were assessed below market value, the overall trend in the neighborhood would be evaluated in future assessments.

Looking ahead, the board plans to revisit property values next year, particularly if market trends indicate significant changes. The meeting concluded with a reminder for members to return their evaluation materials to the assessor's office, ensuring a thorough review process for future assessments.