Next property assessment scheduled for 2021

COLUMBUS — Polk County is considering a $332,300 contract for its next property revaluation. 

Commissioners met Monday and tabled a decision to award the contract to Wampler-Eanes, which is the company that did the county’s last revaluation. The decision was tabled until commissioners can see suggestions to the contract from County Attorney Jana Berg.

Polk County Tax Administrator Melissa Bowlin recommended Wampler-Eanes over another company that bid $285,000.

Bowlin said the reason she is recommending the higher bid is because of the work Wampler-Eanes did during the 2017 revaluation. Polk County decided in recent years to do property revaluations every four years instead of every eight years as it did previously, so property values would not change as drastically.

Although many properties decreased or stayed the same value during the 2017 revaluation, many properties near the Tryon International Equestrian Center increased by 300 percent.

“There are many benefits as to why I’m recommending we use the same company,” Bowlin said. “Look at how successful the 2017 revaluation was. We had no appeals go to the property tax commission in Raleigh. It turned out very well.”

Bowlin said for a county to go through a property revaluation and none go to a tax appeal is a big deal. She said Wampler-Eanes is familiar with TIEC and the county’s tax software.

“They are professional with the citizens,” Bowlin said. “We never had any complaints from the citizens.”

She also said the company is very detailed oriented and can start preliminary work immediately instead of waiting until July.

“This company will not only go out to a property, but they will actually get out and communicate with citizens,” Bowlin said.

She said other companies, the county may or may not see them. Many other companies depend on looking at GIS.

Commissioner Chair Tommy Melton said he does not want someone just driving by his property and giving him an appraisal.

Commissioner Ray Gasperson asked how the price compares to the last revaluation.  Bowlin said it is the same price as the last one.

She also said the the county plans to look more at commercial properties next time. She said she wants photographs and measurements of commercial properties for this revaluation.

Commissioner Jake Johnson said he likes that Wampler-Eanes agrees to not charge extra for going to court and testifying in case of any appeals.

Commissioners tabled the decision on the bid until its meeting on Monday, Jan. 22.