Last night at the regularly-scheduled meeting of the Buncombe County Commissioners, Republicans forced a vote on going ahead with a reval. It was expected the reval would increase property values in posh neighborhoods while lowering them in barrios and in the sticks. Compassionate Tax Director Gary Roberts explained the state could force an early reval if assessments were poorly-aligned with values.

Commissioner Ellen Frost was absent, so there were 3 Repos and 3 Dems. The Dems wanted to proceed, but the Repos didn’t. A 3-3 vote caused the measure to be postponed until the Dems can revive it for reconsideration in 100 days. As he has done before, Commissioner Joe Belcher cited the timing as the reason for not supporting an issue. This time around, the argument might hold water, as several commissioners are up for election.