Changes to Value Adjustment Board

At the July 15 meeting of the Franklin County Commission, Marcia Johnson, county Clerk of Courts, told the commissioners about recent changes in the rules concerning the make-up of the Value Adjustment Board (VAB), the independent body that reviews property appraisals that have been challenged by property holders.

"I've discussed the make-up of the board with your attorney, Mr. Shuler. This year's board must consist of two county commissioners, one school board member and two citizen members, one who shall be appointed by the school board and own a business occupying commercial space within the school district and one who shall be appointed by the county commission and must own homestead property," Johnson said. "I also request that the Board appoint one alternate commissioner."

At Johnson's suggestion, Walter Armistead was appointed as a citizen member by the commission and Donnie Gay was named as an alternate.

Johnson said that under the new laws, the VAB must appoint as private counsel a lawyer who does not represent either the tax appraiser or the county commission. She said she is seeking an attorney to fill the post at this time.

Commissioners Cheryl Sanders and Smokey Parrish will serve on the board and commission Chairman Noah Lockley was named as an alternate.

"Franklin County has appointed a special magistrate, Paul Curenton, in past years to hear the petitions, and for your information, I will recommend the Value Adjustment Board appoint him again, as well as an alternative magistrate to hear those petitions Mr. Curenton may not be qualified to hear," said Johnson.

"It is especially important that we handle everything correctly this year," Sanders said, "The Bay County tax assessor is suing the Value Adjustment Board in Bay County for setting some property values too low."