Federal Bureau of Investigations officials visited BrookhavenThursday in connection with the bidding process used during recentstate-required reappraisal of property values.

Although FBI officials have neither confirmed nor denied aninvestigation, authorities visited with some Lincoln Countyofficials to discuss activities surrounding appraiserselection.

During the brief visit, authorities’ questions were focused moreon state level activities and not locally, said a source, who didnot wish to be identified.

Questions have been brewing since new property values noticeswere sent out earlier this month. Some questions have involved howthe higher values were determined, while others have focused on thelegality of hiring Herring Appraisers and Computer Services ofWilkinson County to do the state-mandated work in LincolnCounty.

A circuit court ruling is pending in Madison County over whethersupervisors there acted properly in hiring Herring without goingthrough the bidding process.

Attorney General’s office attorneys maintain the work isrequired to be bid, but county officials contend professionalservices laws do not mandate bidding. A judge is expected to ruleJuly 30.

AG officials say the ruling could have statewide implicationssince a number of counties followed similar practices in awardingreappraisal contracts. Depending on the ruling, other counties’contract activities could get state attention.