Carroll County widow protests 73.93% property assessment hike amid tax rate drop

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors held a budget planning work session on July 11, 2025, where significant concerns regarding property tax assessments were raised by residents. The meeting highlighted the impact of rising property values and tax rates on local homeowners, particularly those in rural areas.

One resident expressed frustration over a staggering 73.93% increase in the assessed value of her property over four years. She questioned the accuracy of the assessments, noting that they seemed disconnected from local market conditions. Despite owning a large home, she felt the valuation was excessive and not reflective of the actual property conditions, especially given the lack of improvements and damage from recent storms.

The resident also criticized the Board of Supervisors for hiring assessors who are not familiar with Carroll County, arguing that this leads to unfair evaluations. She shared her experience of reaching out to a supervisor and the Commissioner's Office regarding her assessment, but felt ignored as she received no response to her appeals.

Concerns were raised about the lack of services in her district, Laurel Fork, where residents pay the same taxes as others but receive minimal benefits, such as trash collection and access to water and sewer services. The resident highlighted the disparity in property assessments along her road, questioning how her field could be valued significantly higher than her neighbors' properties despite similar conditions.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Carroll County residents regarding property taxes and assessments, particularly in rural areas where services are limited. The Board of Supervisors will need to address these concerns as they continue their budget planning process.