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Forum Seeks to Answer Question: 'What County Do I Claim?'

Property assessments and tax rates are set to change this summer for some people living near the Wake/Franklin county line. A community forum will be held today for those people impacted.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Property assessments and tax rates are set to change this summer for some people living near the Wake/Franklin county line. A community forum will be held today for those people impacted.

The changes are coming because the exact location of the county line is unclear. People who live right on the boundary are not sure which county to claim.

“We always thought we lived in Wake County, as far as I know ever since I've lived here. I went to Wake County public schools,” said homeowner Ray Bailey.

When surveyors mapped the county line in 1915, they used markers that included rocks, tree stumps and fences. Many of those markers have disappeared, making it hard to pinpoint the boundary in some places.

A sign replaced them, but local leaders say the sign is in the wrong spot and should be pushed back.

Homeowners caught in the middle said they want the boundary issue fixed, mainly because of property taxes. Taxes are higher in Franklin County than they are in Wake County.

The county line issue could affect 68 homeowners. At least 26 might have to switch counties completely, moving from Franklin into Wake or visa versa.

Officials have urged those homeowners to come to tonight's forum, which runs from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Youngsville Elementary School.

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