Pender County homeowners voice concerns after property values surge

PENDER COUNTY (WWAY) — Property owners across Pender County say they are frustrated after receiving reappraisal notices showing sharp increases in home values, with some properties doubling or nearly tripling.

The reassessments have sparked concern throughout the community, as many residents worry that higher valuations could lead to rising property taxes and impact affordability.

Among them is Burgaw resident David Miller, who lives on North Dickerson Street in downtown Burgaw. His three-bedroom, two-bath, single-story home was purchased nearly eight years ago.

“It’s a really nice part of town. We don’t have any complaints, got a great view of the old railroad tracks across the street.”

Miller said his reappraisal notice valued his home roughly 300 percent higher than when he bought it. He said the increase raises concerns about whether he — and others — will be able to afford to stay in the area.

“I got hit with this and I’ve only been here 8 years and I enjoy the beaches, I enjoy the area, but the be hit that hard monthly now, with the change in my mortgage, is it a good thing for me to want to move somewhere else and move back out of the area, go further inland where we’re not dealing with this? I don’t want to, I enjoy the area, it’s a nice place, nice town, Eastern North Carolina. Some families got to do what they got to do, and that might be the choice that they have to make.”

County officials say the increases are tied to rapid growth and a housing market struggling to keep pace with demand. During a recent presentation to commissioners, appraisal firm Vincent Valuations reported significant changes across the county.

“The overall county-wide change was between 105 and 110 percent increase.”

Some areas saw even steeper jumps. In the small town of Watha, property values increased by about 185 percent — a figure that surprised local leaders, including County Commissioner Jimmy Tate.

“I don’t think the people of Watha, the small municipality of Watha, with what 75 people, knew that they were going to be the highest percent of change here.”

Officials say the surge reflects years of steady growth.

“There’s been 7 years of natural growth.”

Colby Sawyer, the county manager, said the area’s appeal continues to draw new residents.

“A lot of people want to live in Pender County. We have beautiful beaches, we have wide open lands, we have historic towns, we have charming rural areas, a lot of people want to be here.”

Sawyer emphasized that higher property values do not automatically translate into equally large tax increases.

“Your property value does not equal your tax rate, your tax bill. If your property doubled in value, that does not mean that your tax bill is going to double in value. The board sets the tax rate based on the needs of the budget that they approve. The board has expressed an interest and a desire to stay revenue neutral. That means we bring the tax rate down.”

No final decisions have been made. The county manager will propose a budget in the coming months, and the board of commissioners will ultimately determine the tax rate as part of that process.