Fred Pearson, an appraiser working with Vision Government Solutions, told the Amherst County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 21 that residential property values in the county showed large increases in the 2025 reassessment and described how property owners can appeal.

Based on 2025 sales data, Pearson said the county saw an average residential increase near 80 percent; he described the change as likely the largest the county has seen in about 40 years. Pearson said similar reassessments he has handled for other Virginia localities produced large appeal volumes and that Amherst County should prepare for more appeals than in prior cycles.

Pearson outlined three ways property owners can file appeals: an in-person hearing scheduled by phone, a phone hearing at a set day and time, or a written submission. He said staff and his team plan to complete hearings by Dec. 1 and will send appellants a letter reporting whether their assessment changed. He said his office does not perform interior inspections.

"I anticipate you're gonna probably have 3 to 4 times as many appeals you've had in the past," Pearson said, urging residents to set appointments and provide information about their property to aid review. He also said he expects a second-level appeal before the local board of equalization in February or March, and a final appeal to circuit court if necessary; he offered to assist county staff and the board of equalization if cases move forward.

County officials encouraged residents not to panic and reminded the public that reassessments are performed by an independent contractor and that the board of supervisors does not influence the appraisal results.