Orange County advances budget with tax rate increase
HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Orange County leaders are moving forward with a budget that would raise property taxes for homeowners in the next fiscal year, advancing a plan that commissioners say is needed to maintain services amid rising costs and reduced state and federal funding.
The proposed tax rate would increase from 63.83 cents to 68.05 cents per $100 of assessed value under the county's $327.1 million spending plan.
The board voted 6-1 on June 4 to support a "resolution of intent" to approve the amended budget, with Commissioner Earl McKee casting the lone vote against it.
"If we want to kill economic development in Orange County, all we've got to do is strip this money out of this Article 46, tax collection. Bit by bit, nickel and dime it, and we will kill economic development," McKee said. He cited concerns about the effect on working families and residents on fixed incomes.
How are we going to ever have the next generation move forward?- Barbara Jaeggi, Hillsborough resident
The county manager's initial proposal in May called for a 3.75-cent increase, but commissioners adjusted the plan in June. Most board members said the 4.22-cent higher rate is necessary to support schools, county services, and other growing expenses.
Some residents expressed mixed feelings about the change.
"I'll be able to afford to live here," homeowner James Merritt said. "I have managed over the years."
Others said the rising cost of living is becoming harder to manage.
"I see my children really struggle," Hillsborough resident Barbara Jaeggi said. "Food has gotten very expensive ... I think the housing cost is what worries me. How are we going to ever have the next generation move forward?"
For property owner Alvis Rigsbee, the increase is something he said he has little choice but to accept.
"They went up on the taxes in Granville County, too. So I have to pay them, too," he said.
Commissioners are scheduled to finalize the vote on Tuesday during a 7 p.m. business meeting at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. If approved, the new budget would take effect July 1.
