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Residents press Surry supervisors over large property reassessments
Summary
Multiple residents told the Surry County Board of Supervisors on March 6 that recent limited‑scope property reassessments produced large increases in assessed value for long‑time homeowners and small businesses; the county pointed them to reassessment staff and the Board of Equalization for next steps.
Several residents urged the Surry County Board of Supervisors to explain and revisit a recent limited‑scope reassessment that produced large increases in individual property values.
"In less than two years, it's gone up $47,500," said Lynette Duncan, a small‑business owner who asked the board for direction and asked when the county's last audit had taken place. She told the supervisors she had called the reassessment office and had not received follow‑up. Chair Robert Elliott told residents there was reassessment information on the back table and that the Board of Equalization is available for appeals.
Other speakers described similar burdens. "My assessment was raised $40,700. That is ridiculous," said Helen Nicholson of the Denver District, who warned the increases could force some older homeowners to sell. Shalom Pierce, speaking from the Bakers Casa District, said his home's assessed value rose by $39,000 (about 17.95% in a single year) and urged the board to consider whether a lower tax rate could capture new assessment revenue while easing taxpayer pain.
County administration said the reassessment was a "limited scope" exercise performed after sales patterns shifted — particularly in public service properties — and that Wingate Appraisal conducted the work. Melissa D. Rollins, the county administrator, provided two contact numbers for citizens with reassessment questions: the reassessment office at (757) 294‑5207 and the commissioner of the revenue at (757) 294‑5225. She stressed that assessment methodology is handled by the assessor and that residents with specific questions should contact those offices.
The board did not reverse any assessments at the meeting; supervisors encouraged residents to pursue appeals through the Board of Equalization and said staff would keep outreach materials available. The supervisors also noted the reassessment was intended to preserve the county's sales assessment ratio after changes in large taxpayers' values.
