ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Since North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 889, a moratorium on 2026 property tax reappraisal, local officials have been uncertain about the future of property tax changes implemented in recently adopted fiscal budgets.

In a new complication, another bill, Senate Bill 474, could exempt Buncombe County from the previous measure if it passes the North Carolina Senate. The bill could be considered as early as tomorrow, Tuesday, June 23.

Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder responded to the news in a press release.

“It’s important for property owners to know that at this point, there are no changes to their property assessments or taxes,” said Pinder. “Once we understand what will happen with SB474, we will be able to clearly communicate what impact, if any, these bills have on our community and our taxpayers.”

Stein is supportive of SB474, which he said could prevent SB889 from impacting Tropical Storm Helene recovery in Buncombe County.

“I am concerned about this law’s impact on Hurricane Helene recovery in Buncombe County. Senate Bill 474 would shield Buncombe County and other jurisdictions recovering from the storm, and I urge the Senate to pass it,” Stein was quoted in the release.

If the bill is not passed, the county “may not realize $1.8 million in anticipated public service utility property tax revenues. For the municipalities in the county, loss of anticipated revenues could total another $298,000,” wrote Lillian M. Govus, Buncombe County Communications & Public Engagement director.

In a meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery today, Monday, June 22, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer also raised concerns about the impact of the bills on local budgets. Read more in our story here.

This story is developing.

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