Tax billing errors to be corrected this week

Incorrect tax values due to data entry errors and file transfer errors will be adjusted and taxpayers will be receiving corrected tax bills beginning as early as the end of this week.

Reporting to the Wilkes County Board of Commissioners at the

October meeting, Tax Appraiser Marcus Dill said there is a problem with some of the county's parcels between 30 and 100 acres. He explained that the trouble started when an independent contractor made some data entry errors. Then, a file transfer error resulted "when the zip file with data changes ... did not go in properly" to state-supported Win Gap System. Consequently there was a number of incorrect tax bills due to erroneous property values.

Now, however, the files have been corrected and properly transferred. Incorrect values of parcels 30-100 acres that have been identified have also been corrected and will be rebilled with a correct tax bill.

"We will continue to search for any records that have not been identified and may have incorrect values," said County Administrator David Tyler. "If additional records are found to be incorrect, they will be corrected and acted on to insure the taxpayer pays the correct amount." Any bills paid prior to a correction will be due a refund if it resulted in an overpayment, he said.

Dill also pointed out that many of this year's tax bills with higher taxes are correct as accessibility and disability codes were added to property records. He further noted that parcels with structures had building value increases because the base value was increased from $25 per square foot to $45 per square foot. Commission Chairman Sam Moore reminded those in attendance that the base value changes were the result of state requirements.

The question was raised as to why the county does not reappraise all property at the same time, "even if it costs $250,000," because it would seem that it "would be cheaper in the long run than all of this confusion."

Dill explained that the state advises the county of areas that do not meet state expectations of fair marregular ket values. To do the entire county is not required, he said, when some areas are already valued correctly by state standards.

The State conducts a ratio study each year using actual sales and random evaluations to arrive at fair market values for each county. "If we are not at the required 40% level, they inform us where we are short or over if that is ever the case," Tyler said. " We then address the areas per the state's direction."

The regular meeting of the board was held on Thursday, October 12, at 2 p.m. with all commissioners: Divenski Lee, J.M. Sherrer, Donna Hardy, Jerry Stover, and Moore in attendance. Also in attendance were County Attorney Charles LeGette, Administrative Assistant Karen Moore, Tyler, Dill, and a number of visitors and guests.

Continuing with the same theme of the meeting, one visitor asked why the county does not have its tax records on the internet and use GIS. It was suggested that this could give the appraisal staff additional time.

Moore pointed out that cost was the major factor and that it would amount to about $100,000 to make the change. He said that some years back, when the RDC worked to get a grant for counties in this area to accomplish this, Wilkes County was not included.

"We want to do this, however we are attempting to get a grant to help pay the costs," Moore said, "but at this time the project is not included in the budget." He made it clear that the board is for upgrades and improvements and will continue to strive to accomplish them with as little impact on the tax as possible.

In other business:

Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Sisson met with the board and introduced Sgt. Derrick Durden, Georgia State Patrol Post Commander. Durden noted that he had transferred into the local post last June and expressed appreciation for the county's support and offered help when it may be needed.

Tax Commissioner Mary Hubbard presented lists of tax bill errors and releases seeking relief after the above reported mis-billing. Relief was granted. She further asked for a called meeting of the commissioners to act on "a stack of release applications." A question was raised as to notice about the special meeting and whether all applicants would be notified in writing. Tyler responded that only those that specifically requested to be in attendance would be given a written notice. The usual procedure would be followed for a called meeting with a notice being posted on the bulletin board at the county office, and notification of the local news media.

Beer and wine license fees for 2007 were set to remain the same.

A resolution for the continuation of the E911 system under joint authority with the City of Washington was presented and approved.

Moore explained that all three county drug policies (Transit, CDL, and General) had some changes that had resulted from Federal requirements and had been addressed in revised policies. All were adopted.

Tyler reported that Local Option Sales Tax received for August was $74,427.22 and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax was $114,437.39 for the same month.

Moore announced that the next regular meeting of the commissioners would be held at 7 p.m. on November 9.

Blake Thompson, Emergency Medical Services Director, reported that his department has been busy with a motocross races recently and in preparation for the upcoming Mule Day and Rayle Ramble events. He said another motocross race is scheduled for October 29. Also, he reported on an EMT class that is currently underway with 18 students.

Hardy reported that the Chamber of Commerce has been very active and reminded everyone of the Annual Chamber Banquet set for November 2.

Stover mentioned that the airport taxiway project should start "pretty soon" as the pre-construction conference has been held.

Tyler noted that a surplus property auction has been set for December 5 at 10 a.m. in front of the courthouse.

Hardy requested an executive session to discuss potential litigation. No action was required following the executive session and the meeting was adjourned.

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