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Editor Becky Watts: Phone # 770-468-7583 editor(@)pikecountytimes.com
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January 13, 2026 - 9 A.M.
ZEBULON - The meeting was attended by board members Parrish Swift (Chairman), Lyn Smith (Vice-Chairman), Christopher Tea, Brent Davis, Brent Taylor as well as Chief Appraiser Greg Hobbs, Appraiser and Board Clerk Emily Morris, and County Attorney/Manager Rob Morton.
Call to Order
Approval of the Agenda
From the minutes
a. Election of Chairman
Motion to elect Parrish Swift. Approved 5-0.
Election of Vice Chairman
Motion to elect Lyn Smith. Approved 5-0.
Election of Board Secretary
Motion to elect Emily Morris. Approved 5-0.
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of the December 16, 2025 Minutes
Motion to approve. Approved 3-0-2 with new members Taylor and Davis abstaining because they were not present at the meeting.
End of info from the minutes
[Note from the Editor: I walked into this meeting late after spilling coffee down my arm outside. Not a big deal to most, but I need every single drop of my brew to function in meetings like this! LOL]
Public Comment: None.
Motion to amend the agenda to include Norman Appraisal under Invited Guest. Approved as amended.
7. Invited Guest.
Tom from Norman Appraisal. All commercial has been completed with boots on the ground. 7 or 8 industrial to go. Swift. How does the process work? Tom has been doing assessments during the day but can only do data entry when he returns home to north Georgia or if he goes to the Assessor's Office during work hours only.
Discussion. They requested to work after hours and was denied. Morton. That is not the only access in the building. Can the other offices be secured so he could work in this office? Motion to allow Norman Appraisal access to the office? More discussion. What hours do you need for access? There is a lot to data entry. Morton. Usually Building and Grounds escorts people to offices. Either need to give him a code that is not common to everyone else or a key to the front door. Hobbs. The other doors are locked, and there are cameras in the building. He has asked me for a key. Brent Taylor. Access to the county computer or your own? County computer. More discussion. He needs to be able to get finished with the county. Brent Davis. What is the completion date? Tom. Trying to get this completed this week.
Refine the motion. Motion to allow the CM to work with Building and Grounds to provide access to Norman Appraisal by the end of the afternoon. Approved 5-0.
8. Board Member Report
Lyn Smith. How many parcels walked so far? Hobbs. 2200 parcels walked last year.
9. Chief Appraiser Report
Last year, the office worked with Norman Appraisal to visit 2,200 properties last year. Working to meet requirements for Consent Order. Want to 5,000 properties in 2026. Homestead exemption and CUVA applications are being accepted now.
Reasonable notice for site notice by the Assessor's Office. The law requires this to be given to the public.
Statement Regarding Reasonable Notice of Site Visit:
In accordance with the provisions of Georgia Law (OCGA § 48-5-264.1), property owners and occupants are entitled to receive reasonable notice prior to a site visit conducted by, or on behalf of, the Pike County Property Appraisal Office. This notice is issued in compliance with that statutory requirement, ensuring that all property owners and occupants are informed of the reasons for, and the circumstances surrounding, any property visits.
Purpose of the Site Visit:
The purpose of this upcoming visit is to either assess the level of completion of improvements made to your property or verify the accuracy of property data currently on file with the Pike County Property Appraisal Office. The visit may be prompted by various circumstances, including but not limited to the following:
1. Issuance of a Building Permit: If a building permit has been issued for your property, an appraisal staff member will visit to assess the improvements.
2. Property Return or Appeal: A site visit may occur if a property return is filed, if you have filed an appeal, or if a recent property transaction has been recorded.
3. Business-Related Visits: If you purchase a business license, register for sales tax identification, or file for a corporation or trade name, the appraisal office may require a site visit for verification.
4. Inconsistencies or Non-filing: Visits may also be conducted when there is an inconsistency in property records, non-filing of a property return, or when a new or existing business is not yet on the property digest.
5. First-Year Business Returns: For businesses filing a first-year return, a site review will be necessary to ensure proper reporting.
The appraiser or contractor conducting the visit will focus solely on gathering necessary property information and taking photographs that are relevant to the assessment. This visit is not an inspection of the interior of the property but rather a review of external conditions and any improvements made.
Procedure During the Visit:
If you are not present during the visit, the appraiser will leave a door hanger notifying you that the visit has occurred. If access to the property is denied, estimations of property value will be performed based on available data and records.
All appraisers and contractors will carry valid photo identification badges and will be driving vehicles that are clearly marked with the Pike County Property Appraisal Office’s information.
Contact Information and Office Location:
If you have any questions regarding the identity of the appraiser or the purpose of the visit, or if you wish to verify any details, you are encouraged to contact the Pike County Property Appraisal Office directly at (770) 567-2002. You may also contact Greg Hobbs the Chief Appraiser at (770)776-8455. Our office is located at the Courthouse Annex, 73 Jackson Street, Zebulon, GA 30295. We are open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Please be assured that we take the responsibility of managing the information for over 10,471 parcels of real property, 3,025 personal property accounts, 199 Prebilled Manufactured Homes, and other assessments with care and attention to detail. We are committed to providing transparency and ensuring that all property owners and occupants are kept informed in compliance with Georgia law. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated!
10. Old Business
a. Discussion of the meeting calendar
Currently on 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 9 a.m. Brent Taylor. I have an 8-5 job. We didn't discuss the dates and times when I did my interview. On the Appeals Board, the meetings were in the evening, and it wasn't an issue. Motion to change the calendar.
Brent Davis. Also work during the day. Said that he is on the Board for transparency, and it would make it more transparent for people to be able to attend in the evening. Would like to see 6 or 6:30 p.m. Discussion. BOC meetings are a morning and night meeting. Maybe a morning and night meeting for this board. An 8 a.m. meeting once a month. Early at work. Pay someone overtime or comp time for a night meeting? Maybe come in early or leave late on that day? Morton. Secretary has said that she cannot attend night meetings in the past. First meeting late and the second one early. Who can be the secretary? They have to be an appraiser. Morton. Can do this through a recording. Parrish. Is that compliant? Just need to be clear on the motions. Lyn. What about Danyeal for the night meetings? Need to decide this at the next meeting. 8 a.m. at the night meeting. Morton. Could do co-secretary and have to be noted in the minutes.
Revise the motion. Motion to hold the next meeting at 8 a.m. and ask Danyeal if she would be co-secretary. 2nd. Discussion. Christopher Tea. Works nights and will only get a couple of hours of sleep before the meeting. Approved 4-0-1 with Tea Abstained.
b. Kompelian 2017 Honda Civic LX
It's been in deer accidents, etc. Paid $5,000 for it. Asks for it to be lowered to $5,000 or $6,000. Could never sell it for $10,000. Has it outside. Pictures from damages submitted too from the 1st and 2nd appeal. $10,100 is NADA price.
Motion to set the value at $5,000. 2nd. Discussion. Ad valorem tax. Parrish. The be fair and consistent, we have set the standard of going by the state or going by the book value. Whichever is lower. Morton. You've had past experiences with people buying for $1 or $10 and have been asked to lower the amount to that in the past. You're required to set this at the fair value and not the bill of sale. Tea. It does appear to be damaged, but it isn't salvage. Poor, average, or good. Parrish. Trying to be consistent. More discussion. Car Fax Values were brought in as evidence too. Condition, miles, etc. If an exception is made, they will be making exceptions on everything. Hobbs. Trade in. Average is $5250 with high value is $6,000. Tea. In the past, we have subtracted repair costs. Revise the motion? Vote and if it fails, do something else.
Motion to set the value at $5,000. Discussion. She brought in the car and the information to prove what she is saying. Approved 3-2. Taylor, Davis, and Tea with Swift and Smith opposed.
Chairman Parrish Swift had to leave at 9:57 a.m.
Vice Chairman Lyn Smith took over the meeting.
c. Milner 2015 Honda Accord
$10,875. No transmission, no motor, no fog lights, etc. Salvage? This is ad valorem tax. They applied for a tag in order to appeal per State of Georgia. $9700 is State value. Motion to leave the value as is. Discussion. Got a good deal, but you have to pay ad valorem. Approved 4-0.
11. New Business
a. Approval of State exemption amount for disabled Veteran.
Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
b. Approval of State exemption amount for social security.
87,000 to 99,648 this year. Deduct from retirement income. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
c. Approval to send Pre-bill Mobile homes digest to Tax Commissioner
Motion to approve. Discussion. This was required by January 5. Personal property tax. Values from NADA. Approved 4-0.
d. Approval to send Personal Property Notices
For businesses in the county. Due by the 15th. Motion to send based on staff recommendations. Approved 4-0.
e. Approval to send Public Utility Notices
The sales ratio 37.34% based on 40% of our assessments. They pay at 37.34% instead of 40%. Next year will be based on this year's assessments. Motion to transmit based on staff recommendations. Approved 3-0-1. Brent Davis is abstaining because he has some questions.
f. Sales Ratio
This hasn't been cleaned up yet, but the State requires this to be given to the Board of Assessors now. Hobbs brings the ratio at the beginning of the year. He will be making sure that everything is correct. We are walking these properties now to make sure that the values are correct. 31 lowest with highest being 34. Without taking out the ones that are not qualified, this is low. Needs to be closer to 40%. This is are a report that is given monthly. Morton. You're just acknowledging receipt of the report. Motion to acknowledge receipt. Approved 4-0.
g. Approval/Denial homestead exemption for Disable Veteran
Motion to approve based on staff recommendation. Approved 4-0.
h. Approval/Denial exempt property questionnaire Anunnak ILE IFE Ministry
Acquired in 2024. Non-income residence. 50% dormitory and 50% gardens. 508-c1a ministry trust. Motion to postpone so can ask some questions. 4-0.
i. Board consideration Vickers
Cancelling request to pull this out of CUVA. Motion to accept cancellation of Vickers. Approved 4-0.
j. Board consideration Teague
Changing from timber to livestock on CUVA. Required to notify the use. Motion to approve the change. Discussion. Has anyone viewed this property? The soil is the same. The value will go up because open land is valued more than timber land. Approved 4-0.
Side note about taking minutes from a recording. Tea. It's difficult to do a vote from a recording. [Note from the Editor: This is so true. I often make a recording of meetings, but I'm at the meetings and am using the recorder to confirm what I have written or review a part of a meeting that I missed. As much as people are talking over each other in this meeting, this would be very difficult. I don't think that listening to a meeting over and over to make sure that the votes are correct, etc. would be an efficient use of anyone's time.]
k. Board consideration Martin
In conservation. Asked to remove the property from CUVA based on his health. Breach without penalty based on health. Motion to allow breach without penalty. Approved 4-0.
Real Property
a. Approval Denial CUVA Gunn
Motion to renew based on staff recommendation. Approved 4-0.
b. Approval Denial of CUVA Hepner
Motion to approve continuation based on staff recommendation. Approved 4-0.
c. Approval Denial of (5) 2025 waivers with fair market value revisions
Owner have agreed to this. They filed an appeal and they have agreed on the valuations. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
Personal Property
a. Berry - 2018 Toyota Camry LE
174,000 miles. Previously wrecked. Salvage title. 14,700 STate. Average price is 10,825. 9,999 to 11,852. 10,825 is average. No photos or other information to support this. Motion to go with NADA for $10,825. Approved 4-0.
12. Public Comment
David Paulson. Sitting in her for 10 months. Coming twice a month. Said that the Board ought to put this online. Let everyone see what you do. You can't be more transparent or fair than that. Also asked this of the Board of Equalization.
Becky Watts. This (putting the meetings online at this building) can be done. Discussion: We can put this on the next agenda.
Linda Smith. If this was on YouTube, that would eliminate the second secretary. When will be get a verification on Danyeal? At the next meeting.
We hear about a lot of Wingap errors, etc. Everybody has an assigned computer system, do you have individual log in on each computer? Yes. Programs can be run to find errors. Error could be tracked and corrected. It's really important to do this so we can be as accurate as possible. Y'all have a lot on you in the office, but accuracy should be at the top of the agenda.
Hobbs. There were 1,600 overrides from former employee that they are going through. There is a program that can do the tracking.
Linda Smith. Sales ratio was approved, but it wasn't cleaned up yet. Morton. They accepted the report. The sales ratio isn't set until August.
13. Attorney Comment
None
Brent Taylor. Would like to see if we can get a real American Flag for in here instead of the small flag. Brent Davis to get this.
14. Motion to adjourn.
10:36 a.m.
Here are links to some of the past meetings that Pike County Times has attended.
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - November 14, 2025 - 9 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor11.14.25.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - October 14, 2025 - 9 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor8.14.25.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING - May 13, 2025 - 9 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor5.13.25.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING - December 9, 2024 - 9 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor11.19.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - November 19, 2024 - 4:30 p.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor11.19.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - August 20, 2024 - 11 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor8.5.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - August 5, 2024 - 11 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor8.5.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - July 16, 2024 - 4 p.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor7.16.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - June 18, 2024 - 11 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor6.18.24.html
Board of Assessors Leaves Sales Ratio at $91 Per Square Foot
By Editor Becky Watts
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor6.3.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - May 21, 2024 - 11 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor5.21.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - March 7, 2024 - 11 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor3.7.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - February 6, 2024 - 4:30 p.m.
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor2.6.24.html
Click here to read: "BREAKING NEWS: Commission Votes to Appeal Fine and Request a State Review of the Board of Assessors" http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSrequestforreview2.2.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - January 18, 2024 - 11:00 AM
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor1.18.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - January 4, 2024 - 11:00 AM
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor1.4.24.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - December 19, 2023 - 11:00 AM
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor12.19.23.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - December 5, 2023 - 11:30 AM
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor12.5.23.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - November 9, 2023 - 11:30 AM
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor11.9.23.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - October 17, 2023 - 11:00 AM
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor10.17.23.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - October 3, 2023 - 11:00 AM
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor10.3.23.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - September 19, 2023 - 11:00 AM
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor9.19.23.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - September 7, 2023 - 11:00 AM
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor9.7.23.html