Editor, The Smithfield Times:

Surry real estate tax collection feels like a roller coaster ride. 

Since 2020, Surry County has performed two real estate assessments, resulting in an increase in tax revenue. Another assessment has been approved for this year. In 2022 and 2023 Surry County postponed the real estate tax due dates from December to March. Now the county is proposing splitting tax collection into two payments due in June and December. 

If approved, real estate taxes for 2024-25 will be paid in full in December and then in the following June, the first installment for 2025-26 taxes will be paid. In 2024, the shifting of tax due dates and implementation of split tax payments is resulting in 2.5 years of real estate tax payments being paid in less than a year-and-a-half.

Additionally, moving to a two-payment cycle will be a tremendous burden on farmers. Having to pay taxes in the middle of the growing season results in farmers having to take out loans at high interest rates. Surry County is proud of its agriculture, so why is a tax collection system being imposed that will hurt our farmers? 

To implement this new process, the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office will have to install new software and revamp its entire process for tax collection. New hires will be needed to support the additional workload. What is the imperative need for implementing this process in 2024?

A public hearing is this Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Surry Board of Supervisors meeting. There are many questions that need answering before a decision can be made.

 

Dianne Cheek

Surry