Barber-Scotia College denied some tax exempt status for not meeting requirements
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Posted By: S. Moore on March 09, 2023 Barber-Scotia College, a historic Black college and university located northeast of Charlotte, could face a new, steep bill after school officials learned a portion of school-owned land may no longer be tax exempt. In a Feb. 16 letter to school leadership, Cabarrus County tax administrator David Thrift denied the tax exemption on several parcels within the campus for not meeting statutory requirements. Failing to meet this requirement could leave the school with an estimated $127,000 property tax bill based on last year’s tax rate, according to county tax records. Thrift said the college has until March 20 to appeal the decision and school leaders plan to do that. “I see Barber-Scotia as a diamond in the rough,” Board of Trustees Chair Roberta Pinckney told the Charlotte Observer on Wednesday. “If we could just get the heat of financial support, moral support and more positives, this school could rise again.” The tax exemption for around 14 of the 24 parcels of school-owned land was revoked, WSOC-TV first reported. Get unlimited digital ac The 155-year-old old college, which has been unaccredited since 2004, has four students enrolled online. Last year, school leadership approved a five-year plan to see its accreditation restored and the school rejuvenated. “With any plan or any viable situation you’re going to meet with obstacles and adversity,” Pinckney said. “We just have to continue to plan for, or meet those head on.” Thrift said his office regularly does compliance reviews. Throughout 2022 he reviewed Barber-Scotia to ensure its educational buildings were “wholly and exclusively used for educational purposes.” Some of the school properties appeared vacant, Thrift said. “The ones that do have structures appear to be in disrepair,” he added. A lack of clear documentation from the school and a street-level review of the property led to his decision, he said. Thrift provided school officials with suggestions. This included tuition to show fees being collected, student enrollment data and staffing details. He notified school leadership in December he had yet to see efficient evidence the college’s tax exempt properties were being used under its statutory requirements, he said. The school was unable to demonstrate its continued eligibility by February. WHAT’S NEXT Once school officials file an appeal, the leadership would then appear before the Board of Equalization and Review to determine if Thrift’s findings will stand. In the coming months, when county the tax rate is set the college could expect a finalized bill later in the year if nothing changes. The college has faced a few challenges over the past two decades. It originally received its accreditation in 1954 from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. But in 2004, SACS revoked the college’s accreditation, stating the college awarded degrees to students in its adult program who did not fulfill proper requirements, the Observer reported. The move cost Barber-Scotia’s ability to participate in federal student financial aid programs. While the school can still issue four-year degrees, a decline in enrollment has brought further financial challenges. Pinckney said alumni support has helped the college navigate these difficult times. The college will continue to remain in fundraising mode as they work to execute their five-year plan, she added. “We will continue to reach out to funders and philanthropists to help raise needed funds for the college,” she said. It would be a burden to pay the additional taxes, Pinckney said. She remains hopeful the college will regain tax exempt status through the appeals process. “We’re still marching on,” Pinckney said. SUORCE Charlotte Observer If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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