The Wilkes County Tax Assessor's Office has just revalued property all over the county for the first time in seven years, and folks are not thrilled at the jump in the assessed value of their property.

"All the houses in the county have been increased," assessor Joyce West said, "and all the property under 30 acres, based on market sales. The last time we had a valuation was in 1999, and values have just gone up since then."

Since the assessment notices went out last week, landowners have been coming to the assessor's office for an explanation. "We've had some folks come in, but they've been nice about it," West said. "When we explain it to them, they understand. They're not happy, but they're okay with it."

The assessment of a property's value can affect the amount each

landowner owes on their ad valorem tax bill at the end of the year. The increase in the assessed value will be considered when the Wilkes County Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners set their millage rates this fall.

Since the tax base - the assessed value of real property - in the county has risen, those bodies may choose to lower the millage rate to keep the actual tax bill even, or make only a slight increase.

Landowners have the right to appeal the assessment to the county board of tax assessors. Landowners must file an appeal in writing no later than 45 days after the date on their notice. If they don't appeal by that date, they lose their right of appeal.

For further information on how to file an appeal, contact West at 706678-7732.