IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — An Iredell County horse farm that helps to heal children and adults could be in jeopardy of closing down. The owner of Avalon farm said a change in its tax status caused it to owe thousands in back taxes.
The director of the farm told Channel 9 she rescued the horses so they can help people dealing with disabilities or emotional trauma from abuse.
But the horses and the charity could have to find a new home if they can't catch up on their taxes.
Kimberly Clarke said she created Avalon Farm to improve the lives of kids and adults through the unconditional love of animals.
She said many come here with emotional scars.
"Whether it be their mom on heroin or their dad that's in prison something bad has happened at the home," she said.
But Avalon Farm could be forced to pack up.
Clarke showed Channel 9 a stack of bills and foreclosure notices, stemming from a tax debt. Channel 9 checked with Iredell County and learned she was current on property taxes until 2010. That year the charity was granted a tax exemption.
In 2013, county reassessed her status, and in late 2014, the state upheld their decision to revoke her exemption. Now she owes back taxes to the tune of nearly $30,000.
"Who or what charity has $20,000 to 30,000 sitting around just to pay a tax bill," said Clarke.
Clarke doesn't and once her bank found out they started the foreclosure process.
She's working to raise the money and find a new bank to help save this farm.
"This whole thing is about God and what happens here for children and families, it is also about God and it doesn't need to go away," Clarke said.
The county's tax director sent Channel 9 a statement saying, "We are generally willing to establish a payment plan with taxpayers. However, the plan must be reasonable and must be paid as scheduled."
The next foreclosure hearing is Oct. 29.
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