Craven County Approves $59.75M Tax Levy for 2024 Amid Record Vehicle Registrations

The Craven County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on July 21, 2025, where key financial updates and future planning were discussed. The meeting highlighted the county's tax levy for the upcoming year, collection rates, and property valuation trends.

The board reported a net tax levy of $59,752,810.82 for the 2024 tax year, marking an increase of approximately $1.1 million from the previous year. Tax collection manager Cindy Glover was commended for achieving a collection rate of 99.25%, a slight improvement from the previous year’s rate of 99.19%. This high collection rate reflects the efficiency and effectiveness of the tax collection team, which has been a focus of the department's leadership.

In addition to tax collection, the meeting addressed the county's property valuation trends. The number of registered motor vehicles in Craven County reached a record high of 105,584, indicating growth in the area. The county also noted an increase in the number of registered boats, with 7,297 reported for the year.

Looking ahead, the board discussed the upcoming property revaluation scheduled for 2028. Current assessments indicate that the county's appraisal values are lagging behind market values, with a sales ratio of 81%, below the mandated 85%. This discrepancy suggests that property values in Craven County are on the rise, which could lead to significant adjustments in the next revaluation.

The meeting concluded with a call for motions to approve the tax levy and the charge to the tax collector for the upcoming year, both of which passed unanimously. The discussions underscored the county's financial health and the importance of strategic planning in response to ongoing growth and market changes.