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Rocky Mount council adopts 2025–26 budget, raises property tax rate 4 cents to 62¢
Summary
The Rocky Mount City Council adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and approved a 4¢ increase in the property tax rate to 62¢ per $100 of assessed value after extended debate over fund balance, services and impacts on seniors.
The Rocky Mount City Council on a voice/show-of-hands vote adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 budget and set the city property tax rate at 62¢ per $100 of assessed value, a 4¢ increase from the current 58¢ rate.
The vote follows nearly two hours of debate during which council members discussed the city’s depleted fund balance, Local Government Commission (LGC) targets, and the affordability impact on seniors and fixed-income residents. Councilman Knight moved to adopt the budget; Councilman Blackwell seconded. Councilman TJ Walker’s amendment to unfreeze one Central City development position was added and accepted by the motion; the amended budget passed.
The budget establishes appropriations for fiscal 2025–26 and includes a $500,000 allocation for downtown development grants and other fee and rate adjustments. City Manager Elton Daniels presented the plan and said staff identified savings the manager proposed to use toward a 2% cost-of-living adjustment earlier in the process.
Supporters said the increase is needed to replenish the city’s fund balance and sustain services. Councilman TJ Walker, defending the raise, said the city must fund services that residents expect: “All of these services cost something,” he said, noting police, sanitation and event staffing are recurring expenses.
Opponents pressed for a smaller increase or alternative savings. Councilman Harris urged lowering the increase from 4¢ to 2¢, saying the manager had found additional savings and the council should aim to meet LGC minimums without as large a tax increase. “So I'd like to make amendment ... the rate reduction be from 4¢ to 2¢,” Harris said. Council members Daughtridge and others echoed concerns about the effect on seniors and residents on fixed incomes, and urged directing some revenue to the fund balance.
City staff and finance leaders told the council they would work with residents needing payment plans following the tax increase. Latasha Hall of Business and Collection Services said the office will offer payment plans “not to exceed the next tax billing year” and will work with customers on humane, flexible arrangements.
The council approved the budget after a show-of-hands vote; members also approved related ordinances adjusting fees, rate schedules and water and sewer rates. The meeting record shows the motion carried with the stated amendment to unfreeze the Central City position.
