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Attorney General’s Opinion
Noting that the Equalization Board serves until the end of the year, Forberg suggested asking the Attorney General for clarification on the notice the board must give if it makes changes in assessments.
“The Virginia Supreme Court has rules that an opinon from the Attorney General is just an opinion—it’s no more valid than the opinion of anyone sitting around this table.'' Fletcher argued.
“I think the Attorney General’s opinion has a little more authority than mine." replied Barksdale.
“It’s worth its weight in gold until someone proves it’s wrong in a court of law," Forberg added.
At the request of the supervisors, clerk Diane Bruce has written for the opinion suggested by Forberg. To date, no reply has been received.
Asked in an interview last week how the Equalization Board decided which assessments to review when there was no request from the landowner, Barksdale noted that adjoining properties are looked at each time an assessment complaint is received.
“It’s just like with a grand jury—if you know of anything that’s gone wrong, you’re supposed to report it," Williams added.
“It’s our duty to equalize and to do that, we have to look at the values of other properties, whether the owners asked for it or not." Barksdale emphasized.
“A fellow who thinks his assessment is to high compared to his neighbor’s and comes in to complain exposes those that are too low,” added Williams.
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