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1. Who is a Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Peer Counselor?

WIC breastfeeding peer counselors are moms who have breastfed their babies. They live and work in your community. Peer counselors have been trained in breastfeeding support, so they can provide information and suggestions that have been proven to work for many mothers and babies.

2. What does a Scotland County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Peer Counselor Do?

A Scotland County WIC Peer Counselor does the following.
- Gives basic breastfeeding information
- Contacts moms during pregnancy and the early days of breastfeeding by telephone or at the Scotland County WIC clinic
- Follows up with moms until they wean their babies
- Refers moms to healthcare providers as needed

3. How can a Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Peer Counselor Help?

They can help you:
- Get a good start breastfeeding your baby.
- Know how to make plenty of milk for your baby.
- Learn how to breastfeed when you are in public.
- Keep breastfeeding when you go back to work or school.
- Get support from your family and friends.
- Deal with your breastfeeding concerns.
- Find answers to your breastfeeding questions.

4. How Can You Get Peer Counselor Support?

Call the Scotland County Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at 910-277-2470 ext 4490. The peer counselor can answer questions and provide information about the program along with helping arrange a clinic visit for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) mothers and babies to enroll in the program. The Breastfeeding Peer Counselor can also answer any questions the pregnant or nursing mother's support people may have, as long as they come with the patient to the appointment. 

5. Who is eligible to receive an electric breast pump?

A mother is eligible to receive an electric breast pump through the WIC Program if:

• They are exclusively breastfeeding and/or going back to work or school.
  
  
• They are breastfeeding with a minimal amount of formula supplement at four weeks postpartum, and/or going back to work or school.
  
  
• Mothers with a child:
  • In the NICU.
  • Diagnosed with poor growth/failure to thrive.
  • Diagnosed with poor suck.
  • Diagnosed with cleft lip or cleft palate.
    
    
• Other issues related to latching and breastfeeding in general

For more information and to determine eligibility, please call the Scotland County Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at 910-277-2470 ext 4490. 

6. Who is eligible to receive a manual breast pump?

All postpartum WIC clients are eligible for a manual pump. Priority to receive pumps will be given to clients who are engorged, have sore and/or cracked nipples, and nipple trauma. For more information and to determine eligibility, please call the Scotland County Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at 910-277-2470 ext 4490. 

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1. What is a Tax Abstract Listing Form?

It is the form used to report personal property.

2. What is personal property?

Personal property consists of , but is not limited to, boats and motors, jet skis, mobile homes, aircraft, all unlicensed (untagged) automobiles, race cars, trucks, trailers, campers, motorcycles and motor homes.

3. When do I need to list personal property?

We begin listing personal property on January 2nd. The last day to list or postmark the listing form is January 31st or if this day falls on a weekend or a state Holiday, the next business day.

4. If I still own the same personal property as listed last year, do I still need to list?

Yes. Personal property must be listed each year.

5. When do I let you know that I have sold my personal property?

This can be reported during the listing period. All personal property must be listed by the owner according to what is owned on January 1st.

6. When will I receive the bill for my personal property?

Bills for personal property are usually mailed in July or August.

7. How/when may I appeal the value of my individual or business personal property?

All appeals must be in writing to the Scotland County Assessor’s Office at: Scotland County Assessor's Office P.O Box 488 Laurinburg, NC 28353

Appeals must be filed within 30 days of the tax bill date.

8. Do I list new construction?

You must list any changes in your real estate during the month of January. You will need to list all new buildings, improvements and additions along with your cost and the percent complete as of January 1st. You need to let us know if you have demolished or removed any improvements.

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1. I have started a new business in the County, when and where do I need to list?

The listing period for business personal property begins the first business day of January and extends through January 31 or the next business day if the last day falls on a weekend or state holiday. All forms must have a US Post Office post mark stamped no later than January 31. Forms may be obtained in the Tax Assessor’s office located at 507 W Covington Street Laurinburg, NC 28352.

For more information call 910-277-2566.

2. May I get an extension on listing my business personal property?

Yes. You will need to write a letter requesting an extension. It must have a US Post Office post mark stamped no later than January 31st. The letter must state good cause for the request. Extensions may be granted until April 15th of the tax year.

3. What if the business fails to list timely with the Assessor’s office?

If a business fails to apply for and receive and extension, and lists after January 31, a 10% penalty will be applied to the total taxes due. Also, a business that has requested an extension of time, but fails to list by April 15th, will also be penalized 10% of the tax amount.

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1. How is my property value determined?

The initial and most important step of the valuation process is to visit the property and verify the accuracy of the data already in the appraisal system. As this is being done, other staff members will be building the 2019 Schedule of Values by researching and analyzing the values already established from sales, building costs, and income information. The Schedule of Values must be adopted by the Scotland County Board of Commissioners and is used to appraise all real property in the County.

When your property is being appraised, the appraiser considers several important factors, which include but are not limited to year built, size, condition, desirability, utility, zoning, and quality of construction, materials, and location. When the valuation process is complete, your property should appraise at a value comparable to properties within your neighborhood boundary, plus or minus adjustments for different factors. The 2019 revaluation is a Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal of all property in Scotland County, and the end result should be uniformity and equalization of values within each neighborhood throughout the county.

2. What purpose does reappraisal serve?

Uniformity and equalization is the primary goal. The purpose of a reappraisal is not to increase revenues or to provide tax breaks, but to fairly, equally, and uniformly appraise the real property at its true value in money. Equalized values create equalized and uniform taxes. Equalization also creates a better tax climate in the community since each taxpayer is paying only his or her fair share.

3. What is the difference between real property and personal property?

Personal property, such as automobiles, trucks, trailers, mobile homes, airplanes, boats, etc., is listed and appraised every year at its true value in money. Because real property and personal property are appraised at different levels throughout the eight year cycle, personal property owners could see a direct effect on the amount of taxes they will pay after revaluation.

If the tax rate does not increase, then taxes levied on personal property generally decrease while taxes levied against real property generally increase. However, each year after a revaluation goes into effect, personal property begins to absorb more and more of the tax burden because the real property value remains fixed, and the personal property value is always at 100%. With an eight year revaluation cycle, this difference is considerably more noticeable.

4. When will the new values come into affect?

The new values will become effective on January 1, 2019, so they will be reflected in the tax bills you will receive in July of 2019.

5. What if I do not agree with my property value?

Once you receive notification of the new value of your property, you may complete and return the "Informal Review Form" if you do not agree with the property value.

6. What documentation would be helpful if I appeal?

The way to appeal your value is to present an actual current appraisal, supported by local sales. If this is not possible, review sales in your neighborhood and present a comparison of property similar to your property, i.e. year built, size, construction material, etc. The Scotland County Tax Office can provide information for you to review to assist you in your own appraisal research.

Do not pay for an independent appraisal unless you feel it is absolutely necessary. It is in our best interest to work with you on questions you have concerning your property value. Remember that we are required to appraise all property, but we are still your best tools to ensure that your property was appraised accurately, fairly and uniformly.

7. What if I am still not satisfied?

The Board of Equalization and Review is the official assessment appeals board and the next step after the informal review. The Board convenes in early April and will hear any and all appeals concerning the assessed value of real property in Scotland County. Appeals from decisions of the Scotland County Board of Equalization and Review may be made to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission.

8. What if I have more questions or would like someone from Revaluation or the Tax Office to speak to our group?

If you still have questions, contact the Revaluation Team at 910-277-2447. To schedule someone to speak to your church, organized club or group from the Tax Office or Revaluation, please call 910-277-2566.