Cleveland County officials are grappling with a significant rise in uncollected taxes, a topic that sparked concern during the recent Commissioner’s Meeting on January 16, 2024. One commissioner highlighted the issue, noting an "exponential increase" in unpaid taxes for 2023, raising questions about the effectiveness of current collection methods.

The commissioner pointed out that the existing system lacks incentives for early payment, suggesting that many residents, including himself, tend to wait until the last minute to settle their bills. He proposed exploring alternative collection methods, such as monthly payment plans, which have been successfully implemented in other regions of North Carolina, particularly around Lake Norman.

This discussion comes amid ongoing challenges related to the Catawba Nation and its casino operations, which have been a source of contention for the county. The commissioner expressed reluctance to engage with the Catawba Nation's contamination foundation board, emphasizing that the tribe is a separate entity and that the casino's issues should remain their responsibility.

The meeting also featured public comments, with constituents expressing gratitude to commissioners for their community contributions and support. Linda Lane, a local resident, took the opportunity to commend various commissioners for their efforts, particularly in agriculture and community service.

As the county navigates these pressing financial concerns and community relations, the discussions from this meeting underscore the need for innovative solutions to improve tax collection and address ongoing challenges with external entities. The commissioners are expected to further deliberate on these issues in upcoming sessions, aiming to enhance fiscal responsibility and community engagement.