More than 120 properties and 27 homes could be affected by a Dec. 5 public meeting between Harnett, Chatham and Wake county officials to correct boundary and border discrepancies that have formed over the past 100 years.
The redrawn county lines could mean a change of address for some properties — decisions that could mean different property taxes and different schools for some homeowners.
Records dating back to 1780 and a deed recorded in 1923 mention a rock pile with an iron pipe as the point where the three counties meet. However, a land survey conducted in 1961 led to Chatham and Wake counties adopting a boundary that did not adhere to the original description. The three counties have enlisted the North Carolina Geodetic Survey to identify the correct boundary lines after noticing a number of inconsistencies in current boundaries.
Through research of various historic records, plats, deeds and maps, the Geodetic Survey identified the original point where the three counties converge. According to Harnett County officials, this situation is fairly common throughout the state. Some of the original boundaries between counties were defined by natural features such as creeks and rock formations, and early land surveys may have miscalculated the locations of these markers.
Modern technology allows for more precise location of boundaries, which is what has happened in this case.
Leaving the boundaries unresolved can create confusion regarding tax assessments and emergency services, as well as issues with property deeds if conflicts are identified in historic records related to boundaries. There is also the possibility of challenges to voting districts, zoning categories, assigned school districts and other designations.
Affected residents will be notified by mail in the coming days and are invited to attend a public meeting with representatives from all three counties on at 5:30 p.m. at Northwest Harnett Fire Department, located at 6015 Christian Light Road, Fuquay-Varina, on Dec. 5.