Kevin Turner, Onslow County tax administrator, told viewers on Onslow County Today that the county is conducting a systematic revaluation of all real property to align assessed values with the current market.

Turner said appraisers verify property characteristics using aerial photography, permit records and site visits. "The revaluation is really a a systematic process of revaluing all real estate properties in Oslo County and bringing those values in line with the current market," Turner said on the program (transcript excerpt). He noted that age and condition of structures are factored, and features such as fireplaces, bathrooms and garages are counted as value additions.

Under state law, counties must perform a revaluation at least once every eight years; Onslow County has adopted a four-year cycle since 2010, Turner said, to avoid large year-to-year increases in individual assessments. "The benefit is the more frequently you do a reassessment or evaluation, it helps reduce the sticker shock that's associated with a longer cycle," he said.

Turner said the revaluation will have an effective date of Jan. 1 and the tax office hopes to mail notices in February. Notices will include the newly assessed value and instructions for next steps, he said. Residents who disagree can contact appraisal staff via phone or an online appeal portal to begin an informal review and may attach supporting documents such as private appraisals. "The first phase of the appeal process is really informal, and that involves, you know, you communicating directly [with] appraisers," Turner said.

If residents remain dissatisfied after the informal review, Turner said they may file a formal appeal with the county board of equalization and review. He advised property owners to file early rather than waiting for the tax bill, because once the board adjourns it cannot hear appeals for that assessment year.

Turner emphasized the appraisal staff's focus on customer service and accuracy, saying adjustments that lower values after valid appeals are acceptable to the office if they correct the record. For more information he directed residents to the county website and the appraisal-staff contact information listed there.