NC lawmakers consider pause on property tax revaluations amid Pender County concerns

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — A proposed North Carolina Senate bill would place a temporary pause on property tax revaluations, as counties like Pender County continue to face concerns over rising property values.

Senate Leader Phil Berger filed Senate Bill 889, which would institute a moratorium on property tax revaluations in 2026. Under the proposal, any increases in property values would be delayed until 2027, giving lawmakers time to consider additional reforms.

The bill, sponsored by Berger along with Brent Jackson and Steve Jarvis, is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on April 29.

“Residents across North Carolina are seeing their property values skyrocket after revaluations, and it’s imperative that the General Assembly take a thoughtful approach to address property tax concerns,” Berger said in a statement.

The proposal comes as Pender County leaders navigate backlash over their own revaluation process. County officials recently met with state lawmakers to discuss the bill and its potential impact.

The meeting included Pender County Commissioners Jimmy Tate and Brent Springer, along with County Manager Colby Sawyer, who met with state representatives Carson Smith and Jackson to review details of the legislation.

Pender County has faced legal scrutiny after suspending its 2026 property tax revaluation, which in some cases more than doubled property values in the latest appraisal.

During discussions with lawmakers, officials outlined provisions in the bill, including the proposed 12-month moratorium and the possibility of allowing the General Assembly to set limits on tax rate increases.

Tate said he is hopeful the legislation will pass and provide relief for homeowners, but urged residents to continue appealing their property values.

“Whenever we work with government we can never guarantee the bill will pass but we are hopeful,” Tate previously told WWAY.