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Hope Mills mayor urges calm and explains property revaluation, appeal deadline of March 24
Summary
Mayor Jesse Bel Flair briefed residents on the county's 2025 property revaluation, stressing that new assessed values do not automatically change tax bills, outlining the revenue-neutral concept and urging anyone who disputes their assessment to file an appeal by March 24.
Mayor Jesse Bel Flair told the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners on March 3 that the countywide 2025 property revaluation is a legally required process intended to update assessments to fair market value and does not by itself create a tax bill. "This is not a bill," he said, adding that the board and county will set tax rates as part of the June budget process.
Bel Flair described the "revenue neutral" concept, explaining that if the board sets a rate that preserves overall revenue, property owners would pay roughly the same total tax even if individual assessed values rise. He also said the town and county will need to address an estimated $1.9 million sales-tax shortfall next year and that the board will weigh that gap, operational costs and the tax base in setting a new rate.
The mayor cautioned residents about misinformation circulating on social media and said the administration is posting explanatory materials and two informational videos (including one produced by Cumberland County Board Chair Kirk Devie) on the county and town websites. He reminded homeowners that the legally required appeal deadline for assessments is March 24 and directed residents to the county tax office or phone assistance for questions.
Why it matters: A revaluation can change assessed values materially; whether homeowners see higher bills depends on the tax rate the town and county adopt in June. Mayor Bel Flair said staff and commissioners will focus on educating residents and urged patience as the budget process proceeds.
What the mayor said next: Bel Flair encouraged residents who disagree with their new assessment to file a formal appeal and noted tax-relief programs exist for seniors, disabled residents and veterans. He said the new tax rate becomes effective July 1, 2025, and new tax bills will be calculated in August under the rate the board adopts.
The board did not vote on a tax rate at the March 3 meeting; commissioners scheduled a budget retreat and the rate-setting process for later in March and June.
