(L to R) Johnston County Tax Office Real Estate Appraiser Dave McComish, Tax Statistician Letitia Jones, and Chief Real Estate Appraiser Bobby Creech display the 2009 Joseph E. Hunt Award.

The Johnston County Tax Office has been recognized by the NC Association of Assessing Office.  The County tax office won the 2009 Joseph E. Hunt Distinguished Jurisdiction Award for the first time in County history.  The award is in the large jurisdiction category and recognized outstanding achievements in tax administration and public service, according to Johnston County Tax Administrator Pat Goddard.  The award was presented during a recent conference held in Greensboro.  Goddard said the award is even more special because Johnston County competed against other tax officers in much larger counties including:  Mecklenberg, Guilford, and Forsyth Counties. 

"I am very proud of the work the tax office has performed and the recognition it has received," Goddard told WTSB.  The award was based on photographs taken by tax officials and used to verify tax records in Johnston County. The records will help the county save money on the overall cost of the current tax revaluation presently underway.  Goddard said tax offices in Carteret and Wayne Counties are conducting a similar program based on Johnston County's model.