Higher property values expected in Haywood County, impacting taxes, affordable housing

Comprehensive Reappraisal of Properties Underway in Haywood County

HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A comprehensive reappraisal of all properties in Haywood County is currently taking place. This reappraisal is expected to result in a significant increase in property values, which will have an impact on taxes and both sides of the housing issue.

Reappraisals to Ensure Fair and Accurate Property Values

Reappraisals are required by the state of North Carolina to ensure that property values are fair, accurate, and reflective of the current market conditions.

According to Board of Commissioners Chairman Kevin Ensley, all property owners in Haywood County will receive a new value for their properties as of January 1, 2025. He notes that property values have increased significantly since the last valuation.

“What we’re looking at is across the board, we’re up 38%,” Ensley says. “If your house was worth $620,000 in the old re-valuation, it may be worth a million dollars now.”

Impact on Taxes and Housing

While some neighborhoods may see decreases in property values, more desirable communities are likely to experience increased values. Many residents anticipate higher property taxes as a result.

• Dee Parton, a resident, acknowledges that her tax bill will be higher but also recognizes the potential benefit of increased property value if she decides to sell her home.

However, Ensley highlights the challenge that higher home valuations pose to affordable housing. He explains that there are people who cannot afford properties even with the current values, and with the expected increase, it will become even more difficult for them to purchase homes.

• Demand for housing is high, building supplies and labor costs are increasing, interest rates remain high, and big investors are acquiring vacation homes and short-term rentals.
• Ensley states, “Affordable housing is maybe 3 to 4 hundred thousand in Haywood County, and that’s really not affordable to a lot of people.”

Tax Rate Adjustments and Appeals Process

Once the property valuations are finalized, the county will review tax rates. Ensley suggests that the tax rate will likely be lowered to compensate for the increased property values.

He also mentions that there is a process for residents to appeal the new valuations and potentially have them adjusted.

• Dee Parton expresses her curiosity about the outcome of the reappraisal and states, “A lot of questions. So, I reckon we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

Informational Sessions and Resources

Haywood County tax officials are offering informational sessions for interested groups. For more information or to schedule a session, contact Judy Hickman at judy.hickman@haywoodcountync.gov.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Haywood County website or contact the Tax Assessors Office directly at 828-356-2754 for updates and further information on the 2025 reappraisal process.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The issues discussed in the article are connected to these SDGs because they involve poverty (SDG 1), economic growth (SDG 8), inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), and partnerships for achieving the goals (SDG 17).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 1.4: By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular, the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership, and control over land and other forms of property.
• Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

These targets are relevant to the issues discussed in the article as they address the need for equal rights to economic resources, economic growth, social inclusion, affordable housing, and partnerships for achieving sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These include:

• Property values: The increase in property values can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 1.4 (equal rights to economic resources) and Target 11.1 (access to adequate housing).
• Tax rates: The adjustment of tax rates based on property valuations can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 11.1 (affordable housing).
• Appeals process: The availability of an appeals process for residents to adjust their property valuations can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards Target 11.1 (access to adequate housing).

These indicators provide insights into the impact of property reappraisals on economic resources, affordable housing, and social inclusion.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: wlos.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.