Baldwin County Residents Demand Change Amid Tax Assessor Controversy

Community petitions and tensions at county meetings follow critical state report on tax assessors' performance.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Baldwin County residents are demanding accountability from local officials after a state report criticized the county's tax assessors for not consistently setting proper property values and passing extra costs on to taxpayers. The report also stated that the chief tax assessor and some staff members did not fully understand the software used to calculate assessments. Residents have started an online petition calling for the removal of the tax assessor board, while some county commissioners have defended the assessors, citing personal relationships. The issue has sparked heated debates at county commission meetings, with residents voicing frustration over the lack of competence and accountability.

Why it matters

The controversy over the tax assessors' performance in Baldwin County highlights broader concerns about government transparency, competence, and responsiveness to community needs. Residents are demanding that elected leaders prioritize the interests of taxpayers over personal relationships, and ensure that public officials are properly qualified and held accountable for their actions.

The details

A state report from the Georgia Department of Revenue criticized Baldwin County's tax assessors for not consistently setting proper property values and passing extra costs on to taxpayers. The report also stated that Chief Tax Assessor Wade Williams and some staff members did not fully understand the software used to calculate assessments. In response, residents have started an online petition calling for the removal of the tax assessor board, which has garnered nearly 500 signatures so far. The issue has also surfaced at county commission meetings, where Commissioner Sammy Hall defended his vote to reappoint tax assessor Ronald Stevenson, citing a personal relationship since Stevenson was in high school. Residents have expressed disappointment in the commission's decision, arguing that elected leaders should separate personal relationships from their responsibility to serve the community.

  • The state report from the Georgia Department of Revenue was released in February 2026.
  • The online petition calling for the removal of the tax assessor board was started in February 2026.
  • The county commission meeting where the tax assessor issue was discussed took place on Tuesday, February 2026.

The players

Wade Williams

The chief tax assessor in Baldwin County, who the state report said did not fully understand the software used to calculate assessments.

Ronald Stevenson

A tax assessor in Baldwin County whose reappointment was defended by Commissioner Sammy Hall, citing a personal relationship since Stevenson was in high school.

Sammy Hall

A Baldwin County commissioner who voted to reappoint tax assessor Ronald Stevenson, citing a personal relationship.

Christie Batchelor

A Baldwin County property owner who signed the petition calling for the removal of the tax assessor board and expressed disappointment in Commissioner Sammy Hall's decision.

Camille Murner

A Baldwin County resident who described the tax assessor situation as a "travesty" and called for the removal of the current board.

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What they’re saying

“I do know a lot of people that I've seen sign the petition, and they are very upset. Because it's our money that they're dealing with, and our property taxes continue going up, and no one can give you an explanation why or correct the problem.”

— Christie Batchelor, Property owner (13WMAZ)

“I'm very disappointed in Sammy's decision. I don't feel like it was fair to the taxpayers in the community.”

— Christie Batchelor, Property owner (13WMAZ)

“I just see this all as a travesty. I would never expect any other professional or anyone that couldn't use the software for a job they're required to do. How can that be an excuse?”

— Camille Murner, Resident (13WMAZ)

“We need a new board. I think they need to be well educated and well vetted in everything they're expected to do, and we need to start removing the excuses. These excuses are a joke.”

— Camille Murner, Resident (13WMAZ)

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the tax assessor board to remain in their positions or order their removal.

The takeaway

The controversy in Baldwin County highlights the importance of government transparency, competence, and accountability to taxpayers. Residents are demanding that elected officials prioritize the interests of the community over personal relationships and ensure that public officials are properly qualified to carry out their duties.