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Surry County board authorizes procurement to pursue limited‑scope property reassessment for 2025
Summary
The Board of Supervisors authorized staff to initiate procurement for a limited‑scope reassessment after hearing that Surry County's assessment‑to‑market ratio has fallen to about 88%; staff and experts warned the change could reduce public‑service revenue and urged a March 31 certification window.
Chairman Elliott said the board would consider whether to initiate a limited‑scope reassessment for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and asked staff to proceed with procurement after a motion passed.
Don Thomas of Wingate Appraisal told the board the county's assessment‑to‑market ratio is “about 88%” and recommended a limited‑scope reassessment that uses statistical analysis and model calibration rather than full door‑to‑door inspections. Thomas said a three‑month extension to certify values by March 31 would allow the contractor to include a full year of sales in the analysis.
Commissioner of the Revenue Jonathan Jackings and county administrator Rollins joined the discussion. Jackings said the county's ratio had been higher in prior years; Rollins told the board staff estimates a roughly $412,000 tax‑revenue shortfall tied to ratio declines. Board members asked how reassessment might affect individual tax bills; Thomas replied, “It depends on what the tax rate does,” and said lower‑priced single‑family homes were likeliest to see larger increases in assessed value.
Supervisor (mover) made the motion to authorize staff to initiate the competitive procurement process for a limited‑scope reassessment; the motion was seconded and approved by the board. The motion authorizes staff to solicit bids under the Virginia Procurement Act and to return with a contract recommendation; the board did not adopt a contract at this meeting.
The board directed staff to proceed with the procurement process and to consider the March 31 extension option when evaluating candidate proposals.
