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Davidson County commissioners approve resolution asking state for 3% cap and tax exemption for residents 65+
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Summary
The board voted to send a resolution to the county’s legislative delegation asking the state to limit local property tax increases to 3% per year, require revenue neutrality for revaluations, and eliminate property taxes for residents aged 65 and older on their primary residence with no income restrictions.
DAVIDSON COUNTY — The Davidson County Board of Commissioners voted April 27 to send a resolution to the county’s legislative delegation urging state action to restrict property-tax increases and to exempt residents 65 and older from property taxes on their primary residence.
Casey Smith, a county staff member, introduced a draft resolution with three main components: limit local property‑tax rate increases to a maximum prescribed percentage, require that local governments go revenue‑neutral when revaluing property, and eliminate property taxes for anyone 65 and older. Commissioners discussed specific wording and agreed to include a 3% per‑year cap in the text.
‘‘If you all are interested in that piece, would you like me to place a number in that?’’ Smith asked; commissioners settled on ‘‘No more than 3%’’ as the maximum annual increase.
Commissioners debated whether a pending state moratorium bill or other state legislation could pre‑empt local authority. One commissioner noted that legislation moving through the General Assembly could change the practical effect of a county‑level request: ‘‘There is local legislation right now that passed through the House and [is] sitting at the Senate that would take local authority away,’’ another commissioner said, urging caution but agreeing to forward the county’s preferences to Raleigh.
The resolution also directs that any senior exemption apply to a primary residence with no income restrictions; commissioners instructed staff to make the language explicit that the exemption be for primary residences and remove income limits.
A motion to approve the resolution and send it to the county’s legislative delegation was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board did not adopt legislative language itself but transmitted the county’s recommendations for state action.
What’s next: Staff will send the approved resolution to the county’s legislative delegation and to the General Assembly, per the board’s direction; commissioners said they will monitor state action and return with budgetary adjustments on May 11 as other state decisions are resolved.
