Pender County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pender County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Property tax reappraisal burden
Pender County's first property reappraisal in seven years covered about 55,000 properties and has already generated 623 appeals. The board wanted to suspend or alter the process but was advised it legally can't once the schedule of values is adopted. Property owners now have until October 1 to appeal their new values.
2026 Property Tax Revaluation Suspended
Dozens of residents complained their property appraisals were inaccurate and inconsistent, and the board unanimously suspended the 2026 revaluation, hired a reviewer for Vincent Valuations' figures, and moved the revaluation to 2027. The county paid the firm about $2.3 million.
FY 2026-2027 County Budget
Commissioners are working through department-by-department spending requests ahead of the proposed budget's release at the first June meeting. The county is targeting a revenue-neutral property tax rate, and tax collections are running ahead of last year.
Water system participation fee refunds
About 1,552 homeowners paid water connection fees years ago, and the county is still sorting records before deciding on refunds with interest. The item returns August.
Tax Assessment Complaints
Residents challenged mobile home tax misclassifications and assessment practices; commissioners also pressed Vincent Valuations on the $800/day appeal-extension fee.