Cumberland County’s tax base expanded by 4.45% this past year, a bump driven entirely by new growth rather than increased assessments on existing properties, according to Property Assessor Kelli Buchannon.

In a recent clarification to residents, Buchannon emphasized that the 4.45% increase reflects new additions to the county’s tax roll over the past year. This includes:

• Residential & Commercial: Newly constructed homes and commercial buildings.

• Property Upgrades: Additions and structural improvements made to existing real estate.

• Business Growth: Newly taxable business personal property and related development.

“When you hear that 4.45% number, please know that is new growth helping to carry the tax burden, not an increase in what’s already been built,” Buchannon stated.

Key Takeaways for Property Owners

• Existing Values Unchanged: The recent growth figure is not a countywide property revaluation.

• Next Reappraisal Set for 2027: Current market adjustments for existing properties will not take place until the county’s next scheduled reappraisal in 2027.

• The “Tax Penny” Expands: Because the overall taxable value of the county has increased, the revenue generated by single cent (“tax penny”) of the property tax rate has also grown, providing the county budget committee with additional revenue leverage.

The finalized assessment totals were delivered in June to the Finance Department and the County Commission budget committee to assist in shaping the county’s upcoming fiscal budget. Buchannon noted that her office plans to continue providing educational updates to keep taxpayers informed leading up to the 2027 reappraisal cycle.