Prince George County residents criticize delayed property assessment explanations

The Prince George County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on May 13, 2025, where significant concerns regarding property assessments were raised by residents. The meeting began with a public comment period, during which citizens expressed frustrations over the transparency and accuracy of the county's real estate assessments.

One resident highlighted their struggle to obtain a written explanation for an increase in their property's assessed value, noting that the information arrived too late to aid in their appeal. They criticized the county's contractor for providing complex materials that lacked clear definitions and explanations of key assessment terms, such as "effective age" and "percent good." The resident emphasized that the county's commitment to transparency was not being upheld in this process.

In response, a member of the Board acknowledged the ongoing issues with the assessment process and assured residents that the county was actively working with the contractor to resolve these concerns. They clarified that the contractor was responsible for providing the necessary worksheets and that the county was not ignoring the situation.

Another resident expressed gratitude for the Board's willingness to engage with the community but reiterated that foundational flaws in the assessment process remained. They urged the Board to continue addressing these issues to ensure accurate property valuations.

A third speaker shared a positive experience with the assessor's office, recounting how a reassessment of their land was handled promptly and effectively. They suggested that the county should consider investing in additional staff for the assessor's office to improve service and avoid future complications.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the Board to continue addressing the concerns raised by residents and to work towards a more transparent and effective assessment process. The discussions underscored the importance of clear communication and responsiveness in local government operations, particularly regarding property assessments that directly impact residents.