I do not have the opportunity to work directly with all of the different county, state, and federal government offices that are located in Robeson County. However, as I assist landowners with some of their questions and problems, I have learned just how important it is for these landowners to know what services various offices can provide and how these offices manage the records that relate to the properties in this county and the individuals who own these properties.

Many people have a fear of what they perceive to be government bureaucrats - those who work in these offices. They even make an effort to never visit these offices unless it is absolutely necessary. Often, when they find that they must visit one of these offices, many times it is too late.

I am a government worker myself. In addition, I often have the need to visit other government offices to gain information from them. I must say that in all of my experiences, I have found that virtually all government workers - whether county, state, or federal - have a genuine concern to help their public customers in any way possible.

I would guess that many of you have had a bad experience when you visited a government office. But think back. Some of your problems may have been related to your lack of attention or concern about some of the important items I will share with you.

The following suggestion relates primarily to landowners, and I urge all landowners to consider these suggestions. However, many of these suggestions are just as important for others as well.

Our county is in the process of completing an in-depth reevaluation of all properties in the county. I have heard a lot of horror stories about how this process has affected various property owners, but hopefully, most of the errors that were made will soon be resolved. As I have talked to property owners about their problems, I have been surprised to learn that many of them did not know where the Tax Office was, did not know the people who worked there, and had never made an attempt to review the tax records related to their property. They had no idea what they were being taxed for, even before the reevaluation process. It was almost like they were trying to avoid this office instead of working with this office. You should make an opportunity to meet Jack Baird and his staff.

If you own property in this county, especially a farm, you should visit the tax office occasionally and review your tax records. You need to make sure that the property listed on your records is actually the property you own. If mistakes have been made, the time to correct them is before the taxes are levied.

You should make sure any buildings you have removed from the farm are no longer listed on the tax books. In this county, many old tobacco barns, pack houses, and old tenant houses have been torn down, but no one told the tax office. They are still on the tax books, and you are still paying taxes on them. You must list new equipment you purchase, but it is just as important that you remove old equipment when it is sold or traded.

The Register of Deeds is another important office in this county. This office is where all legal documents are maintained, including deeds, deeds of trust, birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage license. Vickie Locklear and her staff can help you or your family members find all the documents related to your properties. Maybe a good rainy day project would be to visit this office just to make sure you know the fine people who work there and to learn how to find the documents that you possibly may need one day.

Michelle Frizzell and her staff at the Planning and Zoning Department are responsible for developing all plans for the county and for enforcing all zoning regulations. Jeff Britt and his staff in the Inspections Department are responsible for all building inspections, whether it is a home, office, or a farm building. Another rainy day visit should be to these offices, which are next door to each other, so you can learn the people who work there and to make sure you understand what they are doing that might relate to your property. These are the people who you might need to help you protect your rights as a property owner.

If you own a farm in Robeson County but are renting or leasing that farm to a farmer, you still have a responsibility to make sure all of the records maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture are correct and up to date. You should visit the Farm Service Agency occasionally and ask Giles Floyd and his staff to review your farm records with you. Make sure everything is in order and that the farmer you are dealing with is managing your property properly.

Too often I hear landowners say that someone else farms their land, and they leave everything up to them. This may be fine until changes take place with the farmer or with the owner's family or some of the government regulations change.

And finally, make sure you understand the department I work with. The Robeson County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is an educational and informational service agency. My staff members and I can help you learn and better understand all facets of agricultural production, marketing, and management. In short, we can help you better apply what you have learned from all the other departments I have mentioned above.

I encourage you to take the time to visit our office as well. It does not matter whether you rent or lease your farm to someone else to produce crops or animals, have timberlands on you farm that at some point in the future may be ready for harvest, or you are the one producing crops or animals. My agents and I can help you better understand the whole process.

Remember, "knowledge is power." The more you know about your business the better decisions you can make.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 04/21/06