Q: Where can I get information regarding the County Broadband Project?
Prince George County has put together a special list of frequently asked questions regarding the broadband project. To get information on the broadband project click here. |
Q: Are cameras and tape recorders allowed in the courthouse?
Cameras and tape recorders are only allowed into the courthouse if they are evidence in a case. Cameras and tape recorders must be given to the deputy to hold until needed in court.
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Q: Two deputies came to my house looking for my spouse/child and said there was a capias out for him/her, what is a capias?
A capias is a paper issued by a judge to have someone arrested. It is usually issued when a person does not come to court after receiving a summons or subpoena, or a violates a court order.
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Q: What is the difference between the Sheriff’s Office and the Police Department?
The Sheriff and his deputies are responsible for the security of the courthouse. Deputies also transport inmates to court and serve civil and criminal papers.
The Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency within Prince George County. |
Q: I received a notice that I was being evicted, how do I stop it?
Once the Writ of Possession is served it can only be canceled by the landlord.
If the Sheriff’s Office does not receive a cancellation from your landlord, a deputy, along with the landlord, will come to your home.
The deputy will give possession of the premises to the landlord; you and anyone else at the home must leave the residence.
The landlord may elect to change the locks and give the tenant reasonable access to his/her personal property within 24 hours. After 24 hours, any property not claimed by the tenant may be removed and disposed of by the landlord.
The landlord has the option of setting the property to the nearest public right of way. Upon expiration of the 24-hour period after eviction, the landlord shall remove, or dispose of, any personal property remaining in the public right of way.
See Virginia Code 55-237.1 and 8.01-470 |
Q: I see deputies running radar and giving out speeding tickets, can they do that?
Yes, any of the deputies may stop you for violating the traffic laws. Several deputies are certified to use radar.
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Q: I am coming to court and my attorney told me I may go to jail. Can I be put on house arrest?
The Sheriff’s Office has a program called Home Incarceration, which is a form of house arrest. It is up to the sentencing judge to authorize the Sheriff to see if you would qualify for this program. You may see a list of qualifications on this website. |
Q: I was told that the Sheriff’s Office has a program for persons with Alzheimer’s, what is it called and how do I sign someone up for it?
The program is Project Lifesaver, you can find out more information about this program from this website or calling Deputy E. Betts at 804-733-2690 ext. 227 |
Q: My spouse/child received a note from a deputy to call the Sheriff’s Office, why?
Most likely your spouse/child has a civil or criminal paper that must be served to him/her in person.
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Q: Can I bring my cell phone into the courthouse?
No cell phones are allowed in the courthouse. Deputies will not hold your phone at the security desk.
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Q: Why has my real estate assessment changed?
The County Assessor's Office has completed an extensive review of property sales during the last year and compared those sales to the properties' current assessed values. State law (VA Code 58.1-3201) requires jurisdictions to assess property at 100 percent of its fair market value. Our goal is to have accurate and equitable assessments that reflect true fair market value. Fair Market Value has been defined by the courts of Virginia to mean the price which it will bring when it is offered for sale by one who desires but is not obligated to sell it, and bought by one who is under no necessity of having it.
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Q: What will cause my property value to change?
The market value of real estate changes every year, regardless of whether a particular property is sold during the year. If homes or land in your neighborhood are selling for more now than they did last year, then your assessed value will increase. Assessed values can also increase if specific improvements have been made to your property.
The Assessor's Office does not set value. The citizens of the county determine value by creating the real estate market. The Assessor's Office interprets the real estate market and creates valuation models to determine assessments in an equitable manner. |
Q: What if I have questions about my assessment, or believe it is incorrect?
Please contact the Real Estate Assessor's Office by calling (804) 722-8629, e-mailing us at assessor@princegeorgeva.org or visiting the office -- Suite 204 in the County Administration Building (6602 Courts Drive). The office is open between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
The Assessor's Office will try to answer any questions you have over the phone and send you a copy of your property record for your review. A copy of your property record can also be found by visiting the Online Assessments page of the Web site, which can also be used to review surrounding properties.
If you find any discrepancies or have additional questions, please contact us. By bringing to our attention any errors that the office has in its records regarding your property, the assessment process will be more accurate and equitable. |
Q: What if I want to appeal my assessment?
If you review your property record and feel that the assessment is inaccurate, exceeds market value, or is not equitable with similar properties, then fill out an appeal form. Appeal forms can be picked up in the Assessor's office, mailed or faxed to you, or downloaded from the County's Web site. If the information presented indicates that a review is warranted, the property may be inspected and you will be notified in writing when the decision is made. Reviews may result in an increased assessment, a decreased assessment or no change.
Please check with the Assessor's Office to find out the deadline for appeals to be filed at (804) 722-8629.
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Q: Are there other appeal options?
Yes. If you are dissatisfied with the Assessor's Office's decision, you may file an appeal to the Board of Equalization. Information on how to make that appeal will be sent to you with your written notification. The next step above the Board of Equalization is an appeal to the Circuit Court, if you should so choose.
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Q: Will my real estate taxes go up if my assessment increases?
The Board of Supervisors determines the real estate tax for each tax year. Depending on the new tax rate, the amount of tax owed on your property may increase, remain the same or decrease.
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Q: What is an appraisal neighborhood?
The county is divided into 8 appraisal areas that are geographically similar. These areas correspond with the County's voting districts. District 1 includes areas 5, 6, 7, and 8; District 2 includes areas 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each appraisal area is then divided into appraisal neighborhoods. Appraisal neighborhoods can include subdivisions or geographic areas with similar influences. Your appraisal neighborhood can be found on your real estate assessment notice.
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Q: How are real estate taxes calculated?
Real Estate tax rates are expressed in dollars per one hundred dollars of assessed value. The 2007 tax rate was $0.80 per $100 of assessed value. Based on the 2007 tax rate, taxes were calculated as follows:
Tax Rate x Assessment = Tax
| Tax Rate |
x Assessment |
= Tax |
|
$0.80/$100 |
$200,000 |
$1,600 |
|
0.0080 |
$200,000 |
$1,600 | |
Q: Why are addresses important?
The addresses that the County assigns are used in the Emergency-911 Dispatch System. Your street address is the primary means that Police, Fire, Paramedics, Sheriff and delivery services use to identify and locate your residence or business.
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Q: Why is my address changing?
Your old address was out of sequence, was not assigned to the correct street or was on a road or lane which requires a name.
Your new address will make it easier for fire, emergency medical services, and law enforcement personnel to find your home quickly. |