We knew our property values would go up this year, but the disparate size of the hike compared with three other houses with the same floorpan in my neighborhood left us trying to figure out why. So we appealed our assessment and the appraisal appeal folks deemed our new value “fair and equitable”. With no change in value, our appeal was automatically escalated to the Board of Equalization.

I went before the BOE folks today. There was a $98k difference in value between my neighbor’s house and mine. Exact same floor plan, permit for basement finish and screened porch addition. As I asked the BOE folks, what is it about my house that makes it that much more valuable than my neighbor two doors down the street?

Well, I opened a can of worms. Turns out there are several errors on our property card. The BOE reps voted to continue the appeal pending a property inspection by the property appraiser’s office. They should be out next week to do their inspection. We’ll reconvene a week after that.

One BOE rep told me she’d wished I handled this before now. Me too, but I had no reason to question things before this last round of property value hikes. Besides, now that I’m officially retired and things have settled down, I have the bandwidth to tackle thorny projects like this.

A $2000.00 property tax hike in one year is outrageous. There’s no way on this earth that I would be able to sell my house for what they say it’s worth.

I cast my ballot yesterday at the Smyrna Community Center. It took about 40 minutes due to all of the seniors (75+) who get to cut in line. So glad to have that task crossed off my list! Now, if the unwanted texts, emails, phone calls and ads would disappear! Surely, there’s a way to let the digital media folks know I’ve already voted, so don’t bother contacting me.

The local races and proposed amendments are what I’m most interested in. Hopefully, we get a new clerk of court and commission chair, plus the proposed 30 year 1% transit tax gets a smackdown by the voters. I have no desire to live in a swing state the next time a presidential election rolls around. It’s too much! This article from the BBC describes what it’s like to be a swing state voter. Makes for an interesting read.

Be sure to exercise your right to vote between now and Election Day.