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From the News and Observer – July 3, 2008
Statewide, 25 counties raised tax rates in their new budgets, according to a report this week by the the N.C. Association of County Commissioners. That’s the fewest increases since 1998-1999, the association said.
“It’s an election year, and nobody wants to raise taxes in an election year if they can avoid it,” said Todd McGee, the association’s communications director.
Counties tightened belts because taxpayers face rising gas prices and other economic woes, he said. The state’s taking over Medicaid payments from counties probably took some pressure off, he said. Under the Medicaid swap, the state is assuming the counties’ share of payments in exchange for some sales tax revenues.
Area county property tax rates (per $100 valuation):
ALAMANCE: 58 cents, no increase.
CHATHAM: 65.3 cents, an increase of 3.6 cents.
DURHAM: 70.81 cents after revaluation. Last year’s rate was 83.4 cents.
FRANKLIN: 82.25 cents, no increase.
GRAHAM: 60 cents, a half-cent decrease.
GRANVILLE: 75.5 cents, no increase.
HARNETT: 73.5 cents, no increase.
JOHNSTON: 78 cents, no increase.
ORANGE: 99.8 cents, an increase of 4.8 cents.
WAKE: 53.4 cents after revaluation. Last year’s rate was 67.8 cents.
For a complete list, go to www.ncacc.org/taxrates09.html.
