Citizens in Patrick County not happy with reassessment values

By Lindsey Henley
WSLS10 Reporter
Published: December 3, 2008

Steven McClain has three acres of land in Patrick County and a big price to pay for it. 

“At first I thought it had to be a typo,“ McClain said.

He’s not alone.  As people from all over the county sift through reassessment figures, many have the same reaction.

“The values they put on the property is just outrageous,“ one citizen said.

In the past six years McClain’s price alone went from $3 thousand to $16 thousand. 

“You look at folks and they’re losing everything they have due to the economy, and they’re going to raise taxes by 533 percent on mine and 600 on others?” he said.  “What are we going to do?“

Lock Boyce is a local vet and a member of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors.

He says the hike is just not right.

“I think we had a terrible reassessment.  I think it’s an unrealistic reassessment. I think it’s wrong. I think it ought to be thrown out,“ Boyce said.

While some people can afford the increase in taxes, others who have lived in the area their whole lives could lose everything.

“We can’t beat people with a stick when they’re down,“ Boyce said.  “These are not rich people, but they have worked hard for their land.“

Boyce says he doesn’t think the outside firm hired to reassess understands the area.  County Administrator Jay Scudder disagrees.

“I don’t think that’s the case,“ Jay Scudder said.  “Under state code you have to base it on 100% of fair market value.“

Boyce is telling people to hold out hope.

“Hang in there. I’m going to fight for you,” Boyce said.

For now, people like McClain, on the other hand, have no other choice than to appeal.