Pitt County Property Taxes on the rise

Pitt County is one of 41 counties that make up what is known as Eastern North Carolina. With a population of 181,000 and growing those who own homes in the county are upset with the recent increase of property taxes. The recent reevaluation of properties owned by its citizens has led to many becoming overly frustrated and worried about their futures in the area

Pitt County requires a reevaluation of property taxes once every eight years. County commissioners voted to reevaluate at only 4 years during the implementation of the new budget.

This reevaluation has caused an 11.58% increase. Ad Valorem taxes make up the greatest income of all taxes collected in the county at nearly 58.58%. This increase is brought upon by the need for a larger budget in the county.

The budget is said to include quality education, public safety, economic development as well as several other items. The big question from many of its citizens is was an increase of this magnitude is needed.

Citizens across the county began receiving their 2024 tax letters in the mail this week. Creating a large outrage and sticker shock in the increase. Many feel that the tax increase that was placed on their homes was not fair due to the county not doing a new assessment of their homes but instead creating their estimates of the value of the home.

Citizens in the small town of Farmville have begun to raise their concerns about the increases.

While conducting research into the increased frustration with the citizens one reached out to us to voice their growing frustrations. Nancy Darden-Saad of Farmville expressed her concerns over the unfairness of the revaluations. During the discussion with Sadd, several questions were addressed.

The county warned of the tax increase being implemented did you assume that it was going to have the impact it did on the final cost?

“No. It almost doubled the value in 3 years. Our house was built in 2020.”

Do you feel that increases were done in a manner that was inconsistent across the homes in the community?

“Yes, we built in the same neighborhood, 3 blocks down on the last lot in a HOA subdivision. Houses sold in 2023 within 2 miles of us are $50-60,000 less in value.”

Many citizens in this small town have begun to file appeals with the tax office as the feeling of improper review of property they own was conducted. Filling an appeal can be done online by visiting https://www.pittcountync.gov/466/2024-Reappraisal-Information. The information provided below are some important dates that will help you in this process.