Burke County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Property Revaluation
Property values are being reassessed for 2027, with residential values running about 31.5 percent below 2023 assessed levels. Doing the revaluation in-house saves roughly $1 million versus hiring a firm, and a public hearing on the schedule of values is expected in November.
Hochoka tiny-house tax exemption dispute
The Hochoka horse rescue nonprofit and its supporters filled public comment demanding the county settle its lawsuit, answer eight written questions, and process the low-to-moderate-income tax exemption for its tiny homes. The board could not respond due to pending litigation.
Community grant-making process redesign
The county has $550,000 set aside for community grants this year and is streamlining the process with a short letter-of-interest first, instead of heavy full applications up front. Priority areas: recovery housing, family caregiver support, faith community engagement, and prevention/youth.