Resident criticizes county tax office during public comment, urges licensed commercial appraisers

During public comment on Aug. 5, resident Terry Johnson sharply criticized Alamance County's tax administration and appraisal practices, urging commissioners to hire licensed commercial appraisers and to address what he described as inconsistent valuations.

Johnson challenged recent staffing and contract choices at the tax office, saying the county had spent "$40,000 to get an evaluation that basically was not really an evaluation" and characterizing a supposed replacement cost as "$2,600,000 to place one person" after an appraiser left. "Somebody with an educational background and the license," he said, "not somebody that the state says it's okay if he doesn't." Johnson added that perceived valuation disparities were harming schools and residents and urged the board to fix the process.

Chair and other commissioners encouraged the commenter to remain for the meeting and follow-up; no formal action was taken on the specific allegations at the meeting. Commissioners who later discussed facility and budget matters did not make a direct finding on the appraisal claims during open session.

The county did not offer a substantive response to Johnson's specific dollar figures during the public comment period; any follow-up or factual verification would require staff review of contract and staffing records.

Next steps: The record indicates the speaker provided information to commissioners and requested action; the transcript does not show a staff response that resolved the factual claims. Commissioners did not take immediate formal action on the appraisal allegations during the meeting.