County commissioners and representatives for certain properties in the Mountain Air development have been meeting in the county attorney’s office hoping to mediate a settlement over back property taxes. The mediation was at the direction of the NC Court of Appeals and the group is meeting with Appellate Court Judge Bob Hunter of Marion. Mountain Air appealed a nearly $500 million tax evaluation for properties in the Settlers Edge section of the development as well as certain properties including the clubhouse, golf course and other amenities. The property tax amount on the properties is in excess of $400,000 at the 45 cents per $100 in value. Yancey County Manager Nathan Bennett and several commissioners are hopeful that a settlement is forthcoming, one that will be agreeable to all involved.