Mason Inlet Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions 

• What is the Mason Inlet Assessment?
  On June 21, 1999, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners approved a Preliminary Assessment Resolution to pay for the relocation of Mason Inlet and the placement of sand on Figure 8 Island. This plan provides the method of allocation for the project.
  
• What was the total cost of the project?
  On November 12, 2002, the Board of County Commissioners confirmed that the total project cost $6,740,932.
  
• What is the basis of allocation for the assessment?
  Benefited property owners of Wrightsville Beach are assessed for all of the construction cost of the project. Benefit zones were established based on the distance of the benefited land from Mason Inlet, as well as the tax appraised land value of the individual properties. The values of structures are not included.
  Figure 8 Island properties are assessed for the 500,572 cubit yards of sand placed on the island. The island's 198 ocean front lots were assessed 52.04% of the cost. Each individual ocean front lot was assessed based the ocean front footage of the property. The island's 365 non-ocean front lots were assessed 47.96% of the cost. Each individual non-ocean front lot was assessed based on the property's tax appraised land value. The values of structures are not included.
  
• Has the assessment roll been confirmed?
  Yes. On December 2, 2002, the Board of County Commissioners confirmed the final assessment roll. On December 6, 2002, a package was mailed to each property owner containing a notice of confirmation (copy shown below) and the owner's relevant portion of the assessment roll.
  
• What are the payment terms?
  The Board of County Commissioners established a grace period in which no interest will be charged until June 1, 2003. The Board has provided a three year payment plan (annual payments) at a rate of seven percent for those who do not choose to pay their assessment in a lump sum. Bills for annual payments will be mailed to property owners on or before April 15, 2003. All payments should be made to the New Hanover County Finance Department, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, N.C. 28403. When making payments, please be sure to reference your Parcel I.D. number.
  
• Will there be future assessments for Mason Inlet?
  Future assessments are anticipated as maintenance projects are undertaken. Specific information is unavailable at this time.

Following is a copy of the notice mailed to property owners on December 6, 2002: