By admin 
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A Republican-backed proposal that could eventually limit how much local governments can increase property taxes is moving forward at the North Carolina General Assembly, sparking a heated debate over who is really responsible for rising tax bills.
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House Bill 1089 would ask voters this November whether they want the state to cap the growth of local property tax levies. If voters approve, the state constitution will be amended to give state lawmakers that power over local governments.
“Ensuring that any future increases are deliberate, transparent and constrained within a defined policy framework that protects homeowners, renters and business owners,” the bill sponsor’s state Rep. Brian Echevarria (R-Cabarrus) said during a House Finance Committee meeting Tuesday.
Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for local governments and help fund services like schools, jails, public safety and community colleges.
Democrats and Republicans agree rising property taxes are an issue for North Carolina homeowners, but are divided on how to approach it and who is to blame.
It’s especially heartbreaking for folks that have lived in the community for, 40, 50, 60 years and the value of their house has gone through the roof and they never had the income to support an $800,000 house in property taxes.,” said state Rep. Eric Ager (D-Buncombe).
Republicans backing the proposal argued some local governments are overspending and relying too heavily on taxpayers to cover growing costs.
“We don’t have a taxing problem. We have a spending problem,” said state Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort). “We need to limit what cities and counties can spend money on and stay within the bounds of the stated purpose of government, not to go into things that are non-governmental related. It should be used for said stated purpose, not diverted to other uses, otherwise you’re lying to the taxpayer.”
But Democrats pushed back, arguing spending has only increased because the state continues to shift more and more funding responsibilities onto local governments, such as schools, jails and community colleges.
“Property taxes are not rising because cities and counties suddenly went on a wild, drunken binge and started spending like sailors,” said state Rep. Deb Butler (D-New Hanover). “It’s because of the cost shifting that we have done from this body.”
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According to state Rep. Brian Longest (D-Wake), Wake County is spending nearly $600 million on programs and services the state should be responsible for paying for instead.
“The reality is that this state has not funded the services it asks our local governments to provide at a sufficient pace to keep track with the folks that we’ve successfully attracted to this state,” he said.
In Mecklenburg County, state Rep. Brandon Lofton (D-Mecklenburg) said county leaders have spent $2.9 billion over the last seven years to fill funding gaps left by the state, including 700 teaching positions at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
“58% of our county budget comes from property taxes. The best way to relieve the pressure on property taxes is to stop shifting cost down to the county and down to local governments,” Lofton said.
Ager said local leaders have few options other than raising property taxes to fill funding gaps.
“We’ve continued to create unfunded mandates for our local governments, while at the same time funding mostly education less and less,” he said. “When you squeeze the balloon up top, that money’s going to that balloon is going to pop out somewhere else. And right now, it’s popping out at property taxes.
The NC Association of County Commissioners weighed in on the bill, telling CBS 17, “House Bill 1089 does not provide immediate property tax relief for those who struggle to pay their property taxes.”
“Instead,” the statement from NCACC Executive Director Kevin Leonard continued, “the bill creates a constitutional levy limit that would restrict counties and their ability to plan for growth and make responsible, long-term budget decisions. It could also affect the delivery of essential county services, such as public safety, education, health, and human services. NCACC supports targeted property tax relief for seniors, disabled adults, and homeowners who are truly struggling, not a one-size-fits-all approach that weakens local decision-making.”
The bill passed the House Finance Committee on Tuesday and now heads to the House Rules Committee.
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