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February 2, 2026 - 8:30 A.M.
ZEBULON - The Board of Assessors met on February 2, 2026 at the EMA Building across from the ballfields at Public Works. Present were: Brent Taylor, Brent Davis, Parrish Swift, Lyn Smith along with Chief Appraiser Greg Hobbs, Secretary Danyeal Smithey, and County Attorney/Manager Rob Morton.
The video can be viewed on Pike County Times' Facebook page (look in the Reels) for the next 30 days or from here on out on the Pike County Times YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/@PikeCountyTimesinZebulonGA.
Call to Order
Approval of the Agenda
Motion to approve. Approved.
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of the Minutes
Approval of the Agenda
Motion to accept the amended agenda. Approved.
Motion to accept the minutes. 2nd. Brent Taylor. Can we get the agenda earlier than the Friday prior to the meeting? Brent Davis. Some of the bigger counties only have one meeting a month. Can we get this by Wednesday so we can travel to see these properties? Hobbs. When we send out an agenda, that stops items going on the agenda. Davis. If we have a meeting on February 10, there would be the prior week plus a couple of days. 8 business days? Can it be done? Need to do our homework and physically see some of these. Swift. Bylaws state biweekly? Need to research this for one meeting a month. Hobbs. It makes for longer meetings with once a month. It can be done. Minutes approved with 3-1 with Brent Taylor opposed.
Motion to have staff send the minutes by the close of business on the Wednesday prior to the next regular scheduled meeting. Approved 4-0.
Public Comment
David Paulson. Is retired and wants to get on the list to obtain public information so he can research these properties. Morton. The agenda package is made available on the website. Possibly published on Thursday rather than Wednesday afternoon.
Invited guest.
Joe Norman. Commercial is up $40 million. Need to meet with McLeRoy about the Plaza. Discussion. Need to use inside Pike County comparisons. If they will turn over Profit and Loss, they normally come out better. Cost and Market approach has been what has been used up to now. New pictures for commercial properties. Davis. Rezoning. How does that get reassessed? Norman. Has to know about it. Local knowledge always helps. Visited 400 industrial and commercial properties.
How land schedule is going to work will be at the next meeting. Not set in stone. Gave members a handout. Doesn’t affect a subdivision. Accessibility and desirability. Sales will be plugged in too. Next meeting.
Are y’all able to get into the office now? Yes. Does it help? Yes. [Note from the Editor: At one point, these contractors asked to be able to enter data into the county computer in the Tax Assessor's Office after hours and was told no. That has been remedied so they can do what is needed quickly and efficiently while here in Pike County.]
Started a new contract for the commercial since finished last year. Needs to be on the next agenda. Smith. Is it the same as the last one? Norman. Same as before. It’s been discussed but not approved yet. $80,000. Brought in about $400,000 in actual revenue. Still have to defend it. Wants to meet with people before notices go out if possible.
Commercial is up 30% before land has been updated.
Ronnie Milner is not present. He was on the agenda to speak about his 2015 Honda Accord.
Board Member Report.
Brent Davis. Exemption has been requested but a permit was pulled for a single family dwelling on Green Street. The permit is 2 ½ years old and is not reflected on Q Public, etc.
Parrish Swift. Thought this had been discussed and was in the budget. Did we approve laptops in the budget? Hobbs. No. Can discuss in the budget.
Brent Taylor. Wants a list of required classes and dates so she can start planning. Brent Davis. Wants this too. Hobbs. Only one right now is March 16-20. There is a 180 day requirement to be on this board. Has sent 2 emails to the State about adding you both to the Department of Revenue so both of you can get registered. But until the DOR adds you, I can’t add you to a meeting. Hobbs. These classes are posted in 3 month blocks.
Davis. We should have filled out paperwork when sworn in. Just got his and filled it out last week. Should have gotten that information sooner than now. We’ve got to do better with new board members.
Brent Taylor. Did a deed of assent in May of 2025, and it’s still not on the website. She’s concerned. Hobbs. This is for 2026. The website is a 3rd party. Davis. Said to pull the tax card rather than look at Q Public. Hobbs. Q Public is only updated once a year. Go over to Superior Court on a regular basis to get that information for their office with regard to sales, etc.
Brent Taylor and Brent Davis. Can we get a Tax Assessor Manual? Hobbs. Yes.
Chief Appraiser Report. Half truths at county meeting. We conduct a thorough outside appraisal. Citizens should check their notices to ensure that the information is correct. We encourage citizens to reach out with questions.
2026. Office is busy with homesteads and CUVA applications. This includes inspections at the properties. Personal property reporting forms have been mailed. Business forms have been sent out as well.
Parrish Swift back to laptops. Doesn’t want to print 150 or 160 pages for each meeting. Cost effective and efficient in the meetings.
Old Business
a. Discussion of meeting calendar 2026
If have a meeting at 8 a.m. the meeting has to be opened before 8 a.m. 8:30 a.m. is a good compromise.
Taylor. Would rather have one meeting a month than two. Would rather have one and in the evening so the public can attend. Discussion about who is taking the minutes for a night meeting. It has to be an appraiser according to policy. Talking more about one meeting or two and when to have the meetings. Hobbs. If we have one meeting, then there would be a need for special called meetings. The office is down two people. 4 member staff now.
Discussion of when to have meetings. Morton. You may or may not have openings for new people because we have Norman and Associates are in lieu of some staff hirings. If one meeting a month, that would allow staff to do the entire month and have info by say first meeting in March. If meeting here at night, have to make sure no conflicts. Swift. Willing to try the once a month meeting at 8:30 a.m. If special called meetings, have to be sure that we have a quorum. Also less expenditure for the county if go to one meeting a month.
Motion to have one meeting a month on the second meeting of the month at 8:30 a.m. and any other meetings will be a special called meeting. Approved 3-1 with Smith opposed. Smith said that it doesn’t give the office time to prepare.
Motion to hold a special called meeting on February 10 (2nd Tuesday) at 8:30 a.m. Brent Davis and Rob Morton will not be here.
Mobile Home Digest. This has been sent but there needs to be a motion to approve from Friday. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
New Business
a. Discussion of the Consent Order.
54 items that have to be met according to the Department of Revenue. 10,419 properties have to be inspected. The main thing is getting the properties visited. Goal is get 5,000 properties done this year. They have to keep someone in the office to answer the phones. Required to look at all of the properties and do all of the bullet points that have been given by the Department of Revenue. It’s an ongoing process at this time.
b. Discussion of the Budget
Hobbs. Due by the end of this month. This is why they have to have the next meeting. Swift. Laptops would go where? Who does the inputting? Personal property. Need someone all of the time. Norman and Associates was paid by ARPA funds last year, but that will have to come out of the budget this year. More at the next meeting.
c. Approval to send tax refund/relief application Gregory to Board of Commissioners.
Correction of square footage. $2200. Motion to approve. 2nd. Morton. These will not be accepted until the first paragraph has been completed along with being signed and dated. Hobbs. If anyone comes in and has not filed a return, they can fill out paperwork, but he is going to recommend denial. When I go inside, I know what is there. Unless we are asked, we don’t go inside. Only do an exterior footprint. Morton. Prudent not to accept until they fill out first paragraph and sign it. This is incomplete. Revise the motion. Motion to deny said application until the relief application is completed by the property owner. Approved 4-0.
d. Approval of Non-Disclosure.
Judges, law enforcement, DFCS, county boards, etc. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
e. Board Consideration Arnold remove CUVA
Wants to give children some of the property. Voluntary breach. He will pay the penalty. About $10,000. He will get a 30 day notice on this. The Tax Commissioner sends the bill and collects the funds. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
f. Board Considerations STS Development Group Sunnyside LLC
Removing a covenant. They paid what is required.
g. Approval to send Tax refund/relief application Swift to Board of Commissioners.
Hobbs. Charging him for more acreage than he had until he submitted his plat to the office. Eligible to collect what has been overpaid. A lot of older deeds may have plus or minus on them. Motion to deny due to incomplete application. 2nd. Swift. This is from 10 years ago. Found out that he less acreage when he had an old survey. No one’s fault on this. Had to have a survey done to complete the deed. Approved 3-0-1 with Swift recusing himself.
h. Approval to send to Board of Equalization
Motion to send 12 to BOE. Approved 4-0.
I. Approval/Denial of Clower
Not in CUVA but want to divide. Motion to postpone until Tuesday. Approved 4-0.
Real Property
a. Approval/Denial CUVA 2 New. Staff recommends approval.
Motion to approve. 2nd. Discussion. If you go out there and look at it, it must be approved by the Board even if they meet the criteria. Approved 4-0.
b. Approval/Denial CUVA 4 Continuations. Staff recommends approval.
Maybe put last name and parcel number on this in the future. All CUVA’s have been put together up until now. Motion to renew. 2nd. Discussion. Question on Lassiter. Has more than 10 acres with surrounding acreage so no further information required. Approved 4-0.
c. Approval/Denial Homestead exemption 41 S1 (regular homestead). Staff recommends approval. If they provide the proper documentation including showing the property that will be the exemption, they can be approved. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
d. Approval/Denial Homestead exemption 7 S5 (Disabled Veteran under 65)
Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
e. Approval/Denial Homestead exemption 3 SD (Disabled Veteran over 65)
Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
f. Approval/Denial FLPA (forest land conservation – growing timber) 2.
Staff recommends approval. Motion to approve. Approved 4-0.
Personal Property: None.
Executive Session.
a. Chief Appraiser requests Executive Session for pending or potential litigation, settlement, claims, administrative proceedings, or other judicial actions brought or to be brought by or against the county or any officer or employee or in which the county or any officer or employee may be directly involved as provided in OCGA 50-14-2-1
10:41 a.m.
Back in session. 11:10 a.m.
Public Comment
David Paulson. We’ve been running since like 8:45 or so. This is going to be long with only one meeting a month.
Approval to adjourn.
11:11 a.m.
Here are links to some of the past meetings that Pike County Times has attended.
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - February 13, 2025 - 8:30 a.m.
http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor2.13.26.html
BOARD OF ASSESSORS REGULAR MEETING - January 13, 2025 - 9 a.m.
http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/taxassessor1.13.26.html
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