Hechoka Retreat Center speakers urge Burke County to resolve tax-exemption and valuation dispute

Multiple speakers during the informal public-comment period urged Burke County commissioners to resolve a multi-year dispute over tax-exempt status and property valuation for Hechoka (also spelled Hachoka in testimony) Retreat Center, an equine-therapy nonprofit.

Cindy Brown, a paramedic and hospice worker, said the center provides equine therapy to first responders, veterans and clinicians and helps “reset the nervous system” for people who have experienced trauma. Joseph Tate, a volunteer and board member, described Hachoka as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving people with mental-health needs, developmental challenges and houseless residents; he asked the county to validate the center’s federal nonprofit status and address an “incorrect property value assessment.”

Marsha Love and Kimberly Clark, both board members associated with Hachoka, told commissioners the county assessed farm equipment and basic items at values they say do not reflect the nonprofit use and that the county had not responded to written requests; Clark said the nonprofit had retained counsel and filed suit to compel county action. Clark asked when the county would respond and said the organization wants the dispute resolved without prolonged litigation.

County officials told Clark the matter has been routed to county counsel and that the county will continue to engage the nonprofit’s attorney as the legal process continues; the county did not take immediate action from the dais.

Provenance: Public-comment remarks appear during the meeting’s informal public‑comment agenda item; speakers identified themselves and summarized the nonprofit’s services and pending legal dispute in the transcript.