Gates County board opens 2025 appeals process, commissioners sworn and recesses to May 21

The Gates County Board of Equalization and Review administered oaths of office to five commissioners, formally opened the boardfor the 2025 property reappraisal appeals process and recessed the session to May 21.

The board convened April 16 with Chair Emily Truman presiding. During opening remarks the tax administrator told the board that, under North Carolina General Statutes, authority to make changes to property assessments transfers to the board when it convenes. "I as the tax administrator have the authority to make any changes to property assessments for good cause. Upon the opening of this meeting tonight that authority now transfers to you as board of equalization and review," the tax administrator said.

The announcement noted that N.C. Gen. Stat. (105-286) requires counties to reappraise property for taxation every eight years; 2025 is Gates County's reappraisal year. The county has contracted with Pioneer Appraisals to assist with assessments and appeals, and a Pioneer representative, Renee McGuinness, was present.

The tax administrator outlined the informal appeal steps property owners should take: complete the appeal form included with assessment notices, provide contact information so appraisal staff can schedule appointments or field visits, and, if needed, pursue a formal appeal before the board after the informal review. The tax administrator said blank appeal forms were available after the meeting and staff would help residents fill them out.

A motion to open the board for the appeal process was moved and seconded and passed by the five commissioners present. The record shows the five seated commissioners(Chair Emily Truman, Vice Chair Jonathan Craddock, and commissioners Nathan Berryman, Brian Rountree and Dave Forsyth) voted in favor. No appeals were brought before the board at the April 16 session.

With no appeals presented, the board approved a motion to recess the meeting until May 21 at 5:30 p.m., at which time any informal appeals completed with Pioneer Appraisals may be scheduled for board hearings. The clerk recorded the recess motion passing with five votes for, none opposed.

Meeting participants identified the practical next steps for residents: file the informal appeal using the notice form, expect contact from Pioneer Appraisals to arrange inspections or appointments if needed, and appear at the May 21 session if the informal process refers the case to the board. County staff and the Pioneer Appraisals representative offered to assist attendees with forms after the meeting.

The session included the formal administration of the oath of office to the commissioners. The oath was administered by the clerk to the board prior to the discussion of the appeal process.