EDENTON – The Chowan County Board of Commissioners will convene Monday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. in the Public Safety Center with a full agenda that includes updates from the College of the Albemarle, a public hearing on the 2026 property tax reappraisal schedule, and several grant requests benefiting county recreation and senior programs.

As usual, the meeting will open with a consent agenda, allowing routine items to be approved in one motion unless a commissioner requests separate discussion. Among those items is authorization to declare a 2011 Chevrolet ambulance as surplus and sell it through GovDeals, an online auction platform used by local governments.

Public Hearing on 2026 Schedule of Values

Commissioners will also hold a public hearing on the proposed Schedule of Values related to the county’s 2026 property tax reappraisal.

The document, presented at the board’s Sept. 15 meeting, outlines the methods and standards used to determine property values for taxation purposes. Monday’s hearing will allow residents to comment on those proposed standards before the board considers adopting them. See our story from that meeting.

A quick recap of reappraisal from the Sept. 15 meeting — Ryan Vincent, of Vincent Valuations based in Elizabeth City, presented the county’s schedule of values for the upcoming reappraisal, which will affect approximately 13,000 properties in Chowan County and take effect January 1, 2026. The presentation included dozens of examples of recent property sales that far exceeded current tax valuations.

Among the examples shown: a 1947-built home previously assessed at $82,000 sold for $215,000 in May 2024 – an increase of 161%. A 1939 home assessed at $114,000 sold for $252,000, representing a 119% increase. Even more modest increases were substantial, with several properties showing 30-60% jumps in value.

“The tax office does not create market value,” Vincent emphasized. “We’re simply taking a snapshot of the actions of the buyers and sellers in the marketplace.”

County officials have said the reappraisal, required by state law, ensures fair and equitable property taxation by aligning assessed values with current market conditions. Once approved, the Schedule of Values will guide appraisers in assessing every parcel of real estate in Chowan County for the next revaluation cycle.

COA Leaders to Present Campus Updates

One of the evening’s main presentations will come from College of the Albemarle President Dr. Jack Bagwell and Dr. Jennifer Lopes, who are expected to give commissioners an overview of current programs and developments across the college’s service area.

Joining them will be Robin Zinsmeister, dean and administrator of the Edenton-Chowan campus, who is likely to provide updates on local enrollment, workforce training initiatives, and partnerships with Chowan County Schools and regional employers.

Last month at Edenton Town Council, Zinsmeister talked about a new electrical lineman training program planned for the Northeastern Regional Airport facility. To read more, click this link.

Worth noting, the college’s Edenton-Chowan campus serves as a key hub for healthcare, technical, and continuing education in the area.

Grant Requests Aim to Boost Recreation, Senior Services

Two grant pre-application requests will also come before the board.

Recreation Director Brian Chappell will seek approval to apply for a $10,000 non-matching grant from North Carolina Amateur Sports to fund upgrades at Earnhardt Field. The improvements are expected to enhance local athletic facilities used for youth and community programs.

The Chowan Senior Center, recognized as a “Center of Excellence” by the Albemarle Commission, will seek authorization to apply for a $10,971 SCOPE grant. The grant allows the center to use $3,657 in budgeted salaries as an in-kind match and would fund a new blood pressure monitoring machine, additional fitness equipment, and a dual heating and cooling unit to serve the fitness and lunch areas.

County officials have said the upgrades will support the center’s efforts to promote health and wellness among older residents while maintaining its high accreditation status.

Budget Amendments, Financial Report, Manager Updates

Finance Officer Cathy Smith will present six budget amendments for the current fiscal year — identified as 2026-017 through 2026-022 — along with the September 2025 financial report. The monthly report typically includes updates on revenue collections, expenditures, and fund balances across county departments.

Commissioners will also share updates from external boards and committees on which they serve, such as regional planning, social services, and economic development entities.

Finally, County Manager Kevin Howard will provide his manager’s report, offering updates on ongoing county projects and pending matters of administration.

The Chowan County Board of Commissioners meets Monday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. at the Public Safety Center, 305 West Freemason Street, Edenton.