Caroline County adopts advertised tax schedule; real estate rate set at $0.52 per $100 after public hearing

The Caroline County Board of Supervisors approved the advertised 2025 tax schedule, including a 2-cent increase in the real estate tax to $0.52 per $100 of assessed value, following a public hearing that drew concern about the county’s reassessment timeline.

County staff explained the notice process required by the Code of Virginia and said that, because the county’s total assessed value calculation for the equalized rate excluded new construction (approximately $133.8 million), the equalized rate used for the hearing was 50¢ and a 2¢ increase would result in a 52¢ levy. Finance staff told supervisors that each one‑cent change in the real estate rate produces roughly $554,648 in recurring revenue for the county.

Two residents who spoke during the public hearing said they had not yet received reassessment notices and warned that the reassessment results—some property values rose sharply—made it difficult for taxpayers to judge the impact. One speaker told the board she believed assessments had risen “out of proportion” and urged supervisors to keep the rate “as low as possible.” Another speaker, a retiree, said she could not assess financial impact because she had not received a notice.

Board members discussed timing and statutory notice requirements. County staff and the contracted assessor (Cowan company) explained that, because the reassessment work required a 90‑day extension this cycle and statutory language requires certain information on the reassessment notice, the county needed the tax-rate decision to allow printing and mailing of notices and to meet the treasurer’s legal billing deadlines. Supervisors discussed postponing billing deadlines but staff warned a delay would affect the treasurer’s ability to meet the statutorily required minimum mailing window.

Supervisor Thomas proposed the advertised schedule (52¢); the motion was seconded and passed by the board. Vote tally recorded in the meeting: Supervisor Black — aye; Supervisor Thomas — no; Supervisor Forehand — aye; Supervisor Sealy — aye; Supervisor Underwood — no. (Board staff confirmed the majority carried the motion.)

Ending: Staff said reassessment notices and appeal instructions would be mailed once the rate was adopted and that citizens could pursue value appeals through the contracted assessor and, if needed, the Board of Equalization.