Johnston County residents urge changes, raise affordability concerns after mass property revaluation

Dozens of Johnston County property owners told the Board of Commissioners during public comment that their 2024–2025 revaluation notices showed large increases and could cause unaffordable tax bills.

The county tax office explained the reappraisal is driven in part by state requirements and described three ways to appeal, special programs for older and disabled residents, and the criteria for agricultural and forestry tax programs.

The revaluation process and public reaction

Residents across the county described large percentage increases on their notices and said appraisers did not inspect their properties in person. "She did not walk any of our property," said Mike Munden, who told the board his land had increased as much as 183% despite portions being flooded and unusable. Theresa Jernigan said her 25-acre family farm showed a 300% increase and said her 89‑year‑old father could not afford the resulting tax bill.

Other commenters described similar experiences: Ricky Pope said a neighbor’s parcel was assessed lower while his went up by $200,000; Nick Carey said his valuation jumped 350–400% on multiple parcels; Larry Wood reported increases up to 246% on a rental property. Several speakers urged limits on how much a bill can rise in a single year and asked the board to consider giving back revenue if collections exceed needs.

What the tax office told residents

Jocelyn (tax office staff) told the board that some elements of the revaluation are state mandated and that income- or status-based relief thresholds change annually. She gave the county appeal phone number, 919-989-5130, and said there are three ways to seek review: filing online, calling the office to speak with an appraiser or schedule a face-to-face appointment, or submitting forms by mail. She said informal hearings begin the day after notices and that staff can mail forms to residents who cannot access the internet.

Jocelyn also described relief and program rules residents asked about: the application deadline for the age-based relief (residents who were 65 by Jan. 1 and meet the state income threshold) is June 1; proof of 2024 income (W-2s, 1099s, Social Security statements or 2024 tax returns) will be required. She explained the county’s land-use tax programs and acreage minimums discussed at the meeting: 10 acres for agriculture, 20 acres for forestry and 5 acres for horticulture, noting specific eligibility and potential rollback (deferral repayment) rules if a property leaves the program.

Board and staff context

Commissioners and staff acknowledged the scale of the mass appraisal — Jocelyn said approximately 120,000 properties were evaluated — and encouraged property owners who believe their records are incorrect to review their property record card online and to submit photos or documentation showing condition, square footage, or other disparities. The tax office said it will make on‑site inspections coordinated with the owner when requested.

Residents asked for more transparency on how increased valuations translate to actual tax bills. Board members and staff responded that the board sets the tax rate after valuations are finalized and that higher valuations often lead to a lower tax rate to fund the adopted budget, but individual bill impacts cannot be determined until the tax rate is set.

Ending

Speakers were told that county staff will accept mailed forms, schedule in‑person reviews, and that the tax office will work with residents who are elderly or have disabilities to complete relief applications. The board moved on to other agenda items after receiving the public comment and staff explanation.