At the Yancey County Commissioners meeting Chairman Jeff Whitson reminded the public about facts of the revaluation process. He stated that by law the county must do a revaluation at least every 8 years. A non biased third party conducts the assessment. Commissioners have no control over the values set and can only set tax rates based on fair and equitable standards. He stated that the commissioners can do nothing until after May 13th when the Board of Equalization and Review finalizes its report. The appeal process starts April 1st. Commissioners do plan three community meetings March 4 at Burnsville Fire Department, March 5 at West Yancey Fire Department and March 7 at Newdale Fire Department to answer any questions about the 2024 tax revaluation.
In other business commissioners raised the occupancy tax from 3 to 6%.This is a charge on lodging and is collected from motels, Airbnb and other lodging facilities. This money is not a tax on Yancey County citizens. Commissioners approved setting up a Travel and Tourism Development Authority to manage the funds. Funds can only be spent on marketing the lodging facilities.
Ed Seel, Veteran Services Officer updated the commissioners on an increase in hours from 20 to 30 that the Veterans’ Office is open each week. The office is currently located in the new Yancey County Resources Center on West Main Street and Swiss Avenue but will move to the Senior Center once the Transportation building is complete.
