Some residents irked as Fayetteville proposes property tax increase
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Fayetteville city leaders are set to host a public meeting on Tuesday to discuss the proposed $322 million budget, which includes a potential property tax increase that has some residents concerned.
Beverly Lovett Pegram, a retired Fayetteville resident on a fixed income, says the possibility of higher property taxes would force her to cut back even more.
"I personally think that's ridiculous. I'm on a fixed income, I don't see where I can get other money from," Pegram said. "A lot of things have to be put on the back burner for taxes, for raising of taxes."
Pegram said last year's tax increase already stretched her budget by several hundred dollars, and another hike would only add more strain.
"It'll put a little more stress, a little more strain on the households," she said.
She is not alone. William Murphy, also a Fayetteville resident on a fixed income, said he has seen his property tax bill climb sharply in the past few years.
"Three years ago, I was paying a little over $700 a year for taxes. And then the next year it goes up to about $1,100, $1,200. And then 2025, it's $1,700," Murphy said.
The city is considering a 3-cent property tax increase. For the average Fayetteville home, valued at around $226,000, that would mean roughly $68 more per year.
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Some residents, such as Jamel Khabber, say they support investing in the community but want to know how the additional funds would be used.
"I work hard for my money. And we just want to know where that increase is going to go," Khabber said while spending time with his 6-year-old son at Honeycutt Park. "As the economy keeps fluctuating, it gets harder to budget. Where is this increase going for? What is it helping? If it's for a good cause, then yeah, I'm all for it, and it's going to create a permanent solution."
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How would the proposed tax revenue be allocated?
City officials say 1 cent of the proposed increase would go toward police and fire services, while the other 2 cents are earmarked for projects such as a new public safety radio system, playground improvements, building maintenance, and the city's bicycle plan. Officials also say that if the tax rate rises by another cent, it could fund nine new firefighter positions.
The public meeting is expected to give residents a chance to voice their concerns and ask questions before the budget is finalized.
