Applauds decorum at School Board meeting; comments on reassessment
I’ve been told that my letters to the editor are striking a nerve among some in the county and that they are being reproduced, but only in part, on social media posts. Please, if you feel the need to share my letters with those who do not read The Fincastle Herald, at least share them in their entirety. Cherry-picking content, without including the entire letter in subsequent posts, is pusillanimous!
I attended the School Board meeting last Thursday. The decorum displayed at that meeting was a breath of fresh air! Members of the public spoke both for and against things, but their conduct was impeccable – unlike recent meetings of the Board of Supervisors. Imagine this – no yelling, clapping (except for ceremonial events), cheering, whistling, booing, interrupting or disrespectful conduct by any speaker. If only that pleasant atmosphere could make its way over to 57 S. Center Drive! Perhaps the supervisor in attendance noticed and will share it with the other supervisors? Let’s hope so.
Letters are still being sent which complain about the 2024 reassessments. In case all do not know, there is a 776-page document, “Botetourt County 2024 General Reassessment Land Book,” available for public inspection at the offices of the Commissioner of the Revenue and Circuit Court Clerk. When I see a letter complaining about a 93% increase and use both the 2020 assessed value shown on the GIS and the 2024 value shown in above book, do the math and come up with a 38.69% increase, I feel as if some do not know how easily their complaints can be refuted.
Additionally, to contend that a reassessment should be reduced because one does not use EMS, police, fire department or courts is a bit hollow-hearted. Those services are like an insurance policy – you hope you never need them, but are quite happy they are there when you do!
I went to the Clerk’s Office last week and looked at all of the transfer deeds recorded that day. There were three. One had an old assessed value (OAV) of $148,900; a new assessed value (NAV) of $195,700, and a purchase price (PP) of $255,000. Another had an OAV of $136,600; a NAV of $174,800, and a PP of $210,000. The third had an OAV of $39,400; a NAV of $96,400, and a PP of $189,725. Of course, between the time the assessor went to these parcels and when they were sold, there could have been improvements added, gold discovered thereon or a successful drilling for oil, but I doubt it. All were sold for far more than the NAV.
The above are just what happened to have been recorded the day I went. They were not cherry-picked! I have seen similar examples on other days I have been there. This is just what is being paid for property in Botetourt County. It seems to me that the 2024 reassessed values may need to be increased to more accurately reflect what these and other parcels are actually worth.
Bob Patterson
Fincastle
Boothe asks for voters’ support on Saturday
I am writing this letter to ask for the support of my fellow Botetourt County Republicans as I run for chairman of the local Botetourt County Republican Committee.
After much reflection and with a deep commitment to the Republican Party’s values, I am eager to step up and serve our community in this capacity. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the strength and resilience of our party, and I believe that working together we can achieve even greater successes.
As chairman, I pledge to uphold the principals of fiscal responsibility, individual liberty, and conservative values that have long defined our party. With your support, I am confident that we can unite, energize, and empower our fellow Republicans to continue to make a positive impact in our community.
I have been privileged to serve o the committee as a magisterial chairman, and I believe that my record of volunteerism, public service and dedication throughout our community are the best indicator of the dedication, energy, and commitment that I will bring to this position.
Please come out and vote on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lord Botetourt High School. Voters will need to provide a government issued ID, and sign a pledge. Thank you for your support.
CJ Boothe
Daleville
