Walton County Tax Appraiser Pushes Back Against Monroe Survey Allegations

For the past decade, Tommy Knight, Chief Appraiser for Walton County, has overseen property appraisals with what he describes as a spotless record. Annual audits from the State of Georgia have consistently rated Walton among the most accurate counties in the state.

 

That’s why Knight says he was taken aback by a recent survey released by the City of Monroe suggesting that Walton County property values are being skewed or mishandled.

 

“This all stems from the survey done by the city of Monroe,” Knight said. “But it says an anecdotal survey. That’s their wording. It’s not based on facts. They say it’s based on their opinions.”

 

Appraisals Based on Data, Not Opinions

 

Knight emphasized that property appraisals must be backed by hard data. In particular, commercial properties such as Walmart or Home Depot often appear undervalued because there is limited sales data for such large parcels. Similarly, chain restaurants may be appraised for less than some expect because appraisers cannot include “business value” — only land and buildings.

 

“We can’t appraise intangible property,” Knight said. “We only appraise land and buildings. We can’t speculate. Without market data, I can’t go up.”

 

Allegations of Favoritism Rejected

 

Knight also addressed rumors circulating online that properties owned by Walton County Chairman David Thompson were being intentionally undervalued. Knight strongly denied the claims, pointing out that his office operates independently from the Board of Commissioners.

 

He explained that two of Thompson’s properties cited in the criticism have little to no buildable value. “One of these lots has a sewer easement and the other is basically a swamp,” Knight said. “They’re basically good for nothing except holding the earth together.”

 

Rising Values Across the Board

 

Despite the criticism, Knight said commercial property values in Walton County have steadily increased. “We look at market sales every single year,” he said. “And we have gone up on commercial properties.”

 

Knight added that he avoids engaging with social media speculation. “I’ve chosen to stay away from rumor and innuendo,” he said.

 

Monroe Officials Stand by Their Concerns

 

Monroe Mayor John Howard countered Knight’s claim that the city had not reached out before releasing the survey. He said City Manager Logan Propes had communicated extensively with Knight during the process.

 

Howard defended the survey’s findings, which allege that many commercial properties are undervalued — costing the city significant tax revenue. That shortfall, he said, shifts the burden onto residential property owners.

 

“The numbers are what the numbers are,” Howard said. “These numbers are vastly underestimated.”

 

While Howard stopped short of suggesting corruption, he stressed that commercial appraisals need to be recalibrated to reflect current market conditions. “I don’t think there’s anything nefarious going on,” Howard said. “It’s just a formulaic thing.”

 

A Meeting on the Horizon

 

Both Knight and Howard agree that a face-to-face discussion is needed to clear the air. Knight said he welcomes the opportunity to explain his process and address the city’s concerns.

 

“We hope to have a meeting with Monroe in order to discuss the survey,” Knight said. “We want to sit down with the city.”

 

Howard confirmed preliminary discussions are underway to schedule such a meeting. “We are going to meet,” he said.