JONESVILLE, Va. — After an extended executive session, the Lee Board of Supervisors continued their December meeting on Monday night, which had previously been recessed.

Matt Tumlin, President of Commonwealth Real Estate Appraisal Group, LLC, first addressed the board, and gave an update on his company’s land reassessments within the county.

“We are finished with valuing the property,” said Tumlin. “We’re taking calls right now. We probably had about 70 calls come in from folks who wanted to know more about their property cards that were sent out.”

Tumlin explained that land reassessment is an important function of county government, because it updates the values used for calculating real property taxes. He said that these taxes are a large source of tax revenue for school districts and counties.

Tumlin maintained that updating assessed values is significant because it helps keep real property taxes from becoming too unfair and allows local governments to keep their revenues in pace with changing service demands.

According to a state report on land reassessment activity, a county must reevaluate the assessed value of all properties within its boundaries — as required by law. The report stated that assessed values reflect the market values that are in place at the time the assessment occurs. However, as time passes, market values can change dramatically which can cause conflict amongst county citizens.

Tumlin stated that his company has set about 40 appointments with distressed citizens, and answered any questions concerning the reassessment project. He maintained that citizens in Districts 1 and 2 of Lee County could see around a 24 percent increase.

“I think it’s going real well,” said Tumlin. “I think most of the citizens are fairly happy.”

He then claimed that reassessments in the Jonesville area could be finished within the next week, and the entire appraisal process could conclude by as early as February 15, 2010.

Chairman Carl Bailey then asked Tumlin, ”From the last reassessment to now, has there been any difference in the housing value then, in land, versus the housing value land now?”

Tumlin replied, “It has probably almost flip-flopped. Land values have increased, especially for larger track lands.” He said that overall, he has observed about a 45 percent increase in land values, while housing values have only risen around 10 to 15 percent.

“Land has really done well in the last several years, and that’s really what has driven the rates to where they are now,” stated Tumlin.

Concerned citizens are encouraged to call the following phone numbers for any information relating to land reassessment in Lee County: (276) 346-7725, (276) 346-2818, or (877) 309-2463.

The board then discussed and/or approved the following items:

• Approved a payment of $56,945.70 to Pete Sumpter General Contractor, Inc., for completion of airport terminal building project.

• Governor Kaine granted an additional day of holiday leave for the New Year’s holiday. All Lee County offices will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, and Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.

• The Walmart Foundation recently made a $5,000 donation to the Lee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) for the purpose of assisiting needy families. The actual check was made payable to the Lee County Board of Superviors, and the board authorized the release of those funds to the IDA in lump sum.

• Noel Hall was nominated to the Board of Equalization (District 1); Ken Crabtree was nominated to the Board of Equalization (District 2); and Jennifer Stapleton was reappointed to the Community Services Board.

Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by e-mail at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com.