'If you have something to say, come say it,' says Harding
Commissioner Jeff Harding on Monday, Dec. 6 sent a clear message to anyone with questions about Mitchell County government dealings— come to a public meeting.
Harding, during the regular meeting of the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners, brought up Bill Jones and his non-profit organization Save Mitchell County NC during a discussion with County Tax Assessor Blair Hyder regarding the schedule of values for 2022 tax reappraisal.
Jones has questioned on the Save Mitchell County NC website and in News-Journal letters to the editor the county’s tax assessment values, specifically for properties owned and used by Sibelco and Quartz Corp.
Hyder said he was aware of those questions.
“I’ve spoken with the appraiser about this and we’re going to spend some quality time looking at this over the next week or two,” Hyder said. “The business relationships there are so complex. One person owns the ground and leases it to another person— it’s easy to get lost in the weeds of how that stuff is valued.”
Still, Hyder said there’s a proper channel for such questions.
“The proper venue to go after someone in this situation is through an appeal, not through the newspaper,” Hyder said. “There’s a very specific process to go through to address this.”
Commissioner Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff pointed out that Jones has been invited to meetings. Harding voiced strong support while looking directly at the camera live-streaming the meeting.
“I’m the type of person that, if you have something to say, come and say it,” Harding said. “Don’t hide behind the newspaper. So far, this gentleman has made a lot of accusations and a lot of misrepresentation to this community. Mr. Jones, quit hiding behind the newspaper. We’re right here.”
The schedule of values is available for public inspection at the County Administration Building in Bakersville. There will be a public hearing on Monday, Dec. 20 regarding the schedule of values before a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 28 to adopt it.