Accomack reassessment notices to arrive next month

By Linda Cicoira

Accomack County real estate owners will be receiving reassessment notices in early February, and it looks like some values will go up by more than 17 percent, county officials disclosed Wednesday night at a board of supervisors’ session.

A study showed that the selling price for properties during the last two years was, on average, 21 percent higher than the established assessed values. Reassessments are mandated every other year.

County Administrator Mike Mason said that historically, the supervisors would adjust the tax rate to offset assessment increases.

In answering questions from board members, Mason said, “The county is not immune to inflation. Our costs are going up, but we have to offer services that are mandated.” Staff is working on the upcoming budget, “but it is not balanced yet.”

Mason said he anticipates a 20 percent hike in healthcare benefits as the county has had “lots of claims.” In addition, the state is calling for localities to fund bonuses and 2 percent pay increases. There are also federal mandates to consider, Mason added. “Revenue is fairly flat.”

The administrator anticipated that health insurance costs would increase by $400,000, with raises and bonuses being about the same amount.