Mooresville community voices concerns over proposed 32% property tax increase

Concerns over a proposed 30% tax increase dominated the Fire Territory Public Hearing held by the Mooresville Town Council on February 21, 2025. Residents voiced their apprehensions about the financial implications of the hike, particularly its potential impact on property values and the overall affordability for families in the community.

One resident highlighted the direct correlation between rising taxes and declining property values, arguing that prospective buyers would be deterred by increased tax burdens. “If your taxes go up from $2,000 to $3,000, the person that wants to buy your house is not gonna be willing to pay that much,” they stated, emphasizing that while tax assessments may not reflect this decline immediately, the market will ultimately respond.

The discussion also revealed confusion regarding the allocation of funds. Residents questioned whether current tax revenues supporting fire services would be redirected to other departments, such as libraries and schools, without a clear plan for maintaining fire services. One speaker pointed out that the proposed budget seemed to prioritize expansion over fiscal responsibility, suggesting that the council should consider a more gradual approach to tax increases rather than a sudden spike.

Another resident proposed exploring consolidation of services as a means to reduce costs, referencing the potential for efficiency gains. “Consolidation usually decreases cost,” they noted, urging the council to consider this option to alleviate the financial burden on taxpayers.

The hearing underscored a broader concern about the sustainability of funding for essential services amid rising costs of living. Many residents expressed frustration over the disconnect between their income growth and the proposed tax increases, with one individual lamenting that while the council anticipated a 4% increase in costs, many residents were not seeing similar raises in their own incomes.

As the council prepares for the next hearing, community members are encouraged to continue voicing their concerns and suggestions. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in determining how Mooresville balances the need for adequate fire services with the financial realities faced by its residents.