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Wise County supervisors acknowledge $6.5 million shortfall, say communication failures hurt reassessment effort
Summary
Supervisors discussed a reported $6.5 million shortfall and said a failed biannual reassessment vote reflected incomplete outreach; officials urged earlier, clearer public communication to avoid misinformation spread on social media.
An unidentified supervisor told the Wise County Board of Supervisors that a presentation showed the county was "6 and a half million dollars in the hole," and asked whether instructing staff to spend only on necessities would be enough to close the gap. The supervisor referenced a recommendation from Mike Hatfield as part of the discussion.
The supervisor said the board—s intent in pursuing a biannual reassessment was "true and honorable" but conceded the county failed to inform residents early and thoroughly enough, a shortcoming that contributed to a failed vote in the last election. "We didn't get the information out there quick enough and not enough information when we started this," the speaker said.
The supervisor added that lack of timely outreach allowed social media to "draw their own conclusions," which the speaker said generally produced false information and an "uproar" across the county. Other speakers thanked treasurer staff, the commissioner revenue, and the PSA director for briefing the board and providing financial information.
Board members framed the substance of the discussion as a learning opportunity. They called for improved early public dissemination of budget proposals and reassessment plans before future votes. No formal motion to adopt a specific budget action tied to the $6.5 million figure was recorded in the transcript segments provided.
