County Board evaluates property tax reductions amid stalled sewer line development in Forest Lakes

The Albemarle Board of Equalization meeting on June 16, 2025, was dominated by discussions surrounding the ongoing issues with sewer line capacity and its impact on property valuations. Board members expressed frustration over the lack of progress on sewer line easements, which have left certain properties undevelopable for over five years.

One property owner highlighted the stagnation, stating, “We have a piece of property that can't be developed... nothing has changed from last year.” This sentiment echoed throughout the meeting as members debated the fairness of current tax assessments on properties that remain unusable due to the unresolved sewer line situation.

The county's assessor explained that property values were adjusted based on the anticipated timeline for sewer line completion, which has been pushed back to 2029. The current valuation reflects a 46% reduction, down from a previous 56%, to account for the time value of money. However, property owners argued that the lack of sewer access renders their land nearly worthless, with one stating, “I can't sell the property. I can't do anything with the property.”

The board acknowledged the ongoing frustrations but maintained that property values must reflect potential future development. The discussion highlighted a significant disconnect between property owners' expectations and the county's assessment practices, raising questions about the long-term implications for tax policy in the face of infrastructure delays.

As the meeting concluded, the board faced the challenge of balancing fair taxation with the realities of property usability, leaving many property owners anxious about their financial obligations while waiting for necessary infrastructure improvements.