Columbus County leaders sent a clear message to state lawmakers this week: Don’t tell us what to do when it comes to property taxes.
The Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution Monday opposing any changes to the property tax system, including limits or caps.
The next day, the state Senate voted to pause property revaluations while lawmakers consider larger reforms that they say will help homeowners burdened by rising property values.
“I don’t understand how the upper level of government would know our tax requirements here in the county if they’re not involved in our budget,” said Columbus County Commissioner Ricky Bullard.
Other counties across the state have also pushed back against the legislation spearheaded by Republican state Senate leader Phil Berger. Some leaders of rural counties say property tax limits—their biggest revenue source—would hinder their ability to fund schools, jails, parks, and other services.
The Senate bill passed 36-9 on Tuesday, and a formal vote was expected Wednesday. Republicans, who hold a supermajority in the chamber, voted yes, along with eight Democrats.
If the House passes its own version of the bill and the property tax moratorium becomes law, 11 counties will be affected, including two in the Border Belt, according to a fiscal impact study. Bladen County would lose $496,000, and Scotland County would lose $482,000, the study says. Both counties have property revaluations this year.
Cameron McGill, chairman of the Bladen County Board of Commissioners, said the county already completed its revaluation and is working through appeals. About 10% of homeowners disputed their new values, he said.
If the state nullifies the revaluation, he said, “It would mean a lot of wasted time, effort, and money.”
Under state law, counties must update property values at least every eight years, although some do it more often.
McGill said he hopes the board will lower the existing tax rate of nearly 79 cents per $100 so the county will remain “revenue-neutral” while helping homeowners.
But, he said, “We’re going to have a hard time doing that if the state comes in and kicks the can another year.”
McGill said he shared his concerns with several local legislators, including Republican state Sen. Brent Jackson, who voted in favor of the moratorium.
Neighboring Robeson County lowered its property tax rate by 2 cents in 2024 after a property revaluation. The current rate is 75 cents per $100 valuation.
David Edge, chairman of the Robeson County Board of Commissioners, said low-wealth counties are expected to provide the same level of services as wealthier and fast-growing counties.
Edge told the Border Belt Independent he had not yet seen any proposals from the General Assembly. But, he said, “I know it seems there needs to be control on everyone.”
Counties in the Border Belt are preparing for tight budgets.
Columbus County Manager Eddie Madden said in March the county faces a $22.8 million budget gap for the fiscal year that begins July 1, according to The News Reporter. The county was forced to dip into its savings to balance the current budget.
County leaders are considering whether to put a sales tax referendum on the November ballot. Voters would be asked to increase the sales tax from 6.75% to 7%, which Madden said would generate $1.5 million a year.
But a referendum might be a long shot, as local voters have rejected previously proposed sales tax hikes.
Columbus County has a property tax rate of nearly 81 cents per $100 valuation, which is among the highest rates in the state. The average home value in the county is nearly $184,000, according to the real estate company Zillow, which means the average homeowner pays about $1,500 in county property taxes each year.
The tax rate has held steady since 2021, the last time Columbus County valued properties. The next valuation is set for 2029, according to the N.C. Department of Revenue.
Columbus County Commissioner Giles “Buddy” Byrd said during Monday’s meeting that the state should keep the current tax system the way it is.
“The counties need to be independent, to make their own decisions,” Byrd said. “We don’t need the state telling us how we can operate our county.”