Buncombe County assessor outlines reappraisal timeline; residents urged to review record cards

Krieger, Buncombe County’s tax assessor, and assistant Joe Turner presented an overview of the county assessment office and the upcoming reappraisal process for properties in Buncombe County, including the town of Black Mountain. Krieger said the county values approximately 135,000 parcels and performs reappraisal on a four‑year cycle (the schedule was delayed one year because of hurricane recovery). He described the office’s use of mass appraisal techniques and three valuation approaches — cost, sales comparison and income — and said the goal is to align assessed values with market value.

Krieger emphasized outreach and data quality, noted the office commissioned an equity study to improve data and promised expanded public information and an online appeals process. "Reappraisal is a process of revaluing all land, vacant, residential, commercial to its market value every 4 years," he said, and added residents should check their property record cards at tax.buncombenc.gov and appeal if they believe the data are incorrect. Krieger said notices will be mailed early to mid‑February; the informal appeal window will open after residents receive notices and run through early May.

Council members asked whether the sales window used (2021–2025) captures market changes and whether the county will return to a four‑year schedule. Krieger said time adjustments are applied to more recent sales and confirmed the office expects to return to the four‑year cycle with the next reappraisal in 2029. He also said appraisal projections will be provided to municipal budget offices to inform upcoming budgets.

What residents should do: review the county property record card online and contact the assessment office if there are inconsistencies; the county plans additional outreach and an online appeal portal to streamline the process.