Durham residents press commissioners on reappraisal, $62 million in federal relief; tax office and manager outline appeal process and outreach

Several Durham residents used the March 10 Durham County Board of Commissioners meeting to raise concerns about recent property reappraisals and county spending from federal COVID-relief funds.

Resident Victoria Peterson told commissioners she wanted more transparency on recipients of roughly $62,000,000 in federal relief funds and asked to meet with county leadership. “I want to come back and see you again. I definitely want to meet with the county manager,” Peterson said during the public-comment period.

County staff and elected officials responded with procedural and contact information. Durham County Tax Administrator Kiara Ardole said reappraisal notices were mailed the week of Feb. 28 and encouraged property owners who disagree with assessed values to file an appeal with the Board of Equalization and Review. Ardole said informational meetings and one-on-one appointments with appraisers will be available from March 17 through April 12 and repeated that staff are “definitely available to try to make sure that your information is accurately reported.” She directed residents to the county tax web page (www.dconc.gov/tax) and the county phone line (919-560-0300) for scheduling.

County Manager Hager said staff used a “rigorous process” to review applications for the federal funds Peterson referenced and offered to meet with residents to identify recipients and projects supported by the relief dollars. Hager described an upcoming senior housing and home-repair project funded in part through that process and said staff would share details with residents who request them.

Commissioner Brenda Jacobs (recorded in the meeting as Commissioner Jacobs) reminded residents that the county’s reappraisal process is governed by state law. “We are required by North Carolina state statute to do property valuations in a particular way,” Jacobs said, adding that annexation hearings are similarly regulated at the state level and not within the county’s purview.

The comments followed several public speakers who said their homes and land values had sharply increased and signaled intent to appeal. Chair Bridal Alam and Clerk Wallace presided over the public-comment logistics, and staff repeatedly offered follow-up appointments and informational sessions to help homeowners understand valuation results.

What happened next: Commissioners did not take any immediate policy action during the meeting on reappraisals or on the county’s federal relief allocations. Staff said they would provide additional information to speakers who requested it and continue public outreach and appointment availability through the tax office.

Why it matters: The reappraisal affects taxable values used to calculate property taxes; appeals and outreach determine whether assessments are adjusted before the county finalizes budgets and tax rates later in the year. The $62 million of federal relief cited by a speaker refers to federal COVID-era funding distributed to local governments; residents asked for greater transparency about recipients and uses of that money.