Middlesex County supervisors learned from County Assessor Jason Cowan in December 2025 that his firm’s studies are showing land values in Middlesex have jumped 33% since the last time the county had a reassessment, five years ago.
Cowan informed the board that property visits for the current reassessment are expected to be completed in late spring or early summer of 2026 and full assessment figures are anticipated to be finalized and effective January 2027 with rate changes coming spring of 2027.
Cowan reviewed a state law that requires the county to assess property at least once every six years and he encouraged supervisors to consider a two-year reassessment program. “If reassessments are done more often, you do not see this wild swing in values,” said Cowan.
He suggested that the county go to a two-year program after the January 2027 reassessment is completed and do what is called a “desk reassessment,” which does not require as much field work. On the fourth year, the county would do a complete “boots on the ground” reassessment, said Cowan.
“Maintaining accurate and timely assessments helps prevent significant fluctuations in future tax bills,” said Cowan.
Regional issue
Northumberland County is facing the same issue as Middlesex and that board recently sent this message through the Rappahannock Record newspaper to taxpayers, which mirrors what Middlesex taxpayers need to hear.
“Virginia law requires all localities to base real estate assessments on current fair market values. This means assessors must determine what properties would sell for in today’s real estate market. The recent increase in property assessments is the direct result of strong real estate market activity, including high home sale prices across the region.
Virginia law also requires the county to calculate an equalized tax rate, which is the rate that would generate the same amount of revenue as the previous year before reassessment. When supervisors review the equalized tax rate they may choose to adopt it or consider a different rate. Any rate higher than the equalized rate requires an advertised public hearing, ensuring transparency and public input. Property owners also have the ability to appeal their reassessment with the county’s board of equalization.”
