Over the past two years I have been hearing both sides of the issues regarding the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC).

Some people in Polk County are highly in favor of TIEC and what it will bring. Other people are not in favor of the negative impact that certain changes will bring as a result of the TIEC.

Let me talk about one negative impact, namely the property revaluations and the hardships placed upon some people here that have nice properties, but maybe not the means to pay taxes on newly valuated properties. Those revaluations being brought about by the property value inflation due to the TIEC and the bigger money coming into Polk County.

My recommended solution is: (i) to cap any increases to the accumulative rate of inflation based on CPI, PPI or another acceptable benchmark and; (ii) to re-value a property only after a property is sold. The buyer of a property will then be aware of the new value and the property tax valuation, and they will be prepared for any increase in taxes. In both scenarios, the county will still receive some increase in revenue.

My recommended solution will allow a long term owner to be able to afford smaller inflationary tax increases and reset the valuation to a new owner who can plan accordingly. We cannot enjoy the benefits that TIEC is bringing/will bring to our county through increased revenues and property values at the expense of our long time citizens and neighbors.

Chris McCrate

Mill Spring, N.C.