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Lewisville council unanimously opposes proposed state limits on local property tax authority
Summary
The Town of Lewisville adopted Resolution 2026-013 on April 9, 2026, opposing state legislation that would cap local property tax revenue or require referenda; council members cited risks to public safety and local services and directed the clerk to forward the resolution to the NC General Assembly and the NC League of Municipalities.
The Town of Lewisville's council on April 9 unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-013 opposing proposed state legislation that would impose levy limits, revenue caps or mandatory voter referenda on municipalities seeking to exceed revenue thresholds.
The resolution, read into the record by the mayor, cites Article 5, Section 2 of the North Carolina Constitution and argues that property tax revenue funds a majority of the town's general services. The resolution states that "the Town of Lewisville's revenue from property taxes as a percentage of general revenues in the fiscal year 25-26 is approximately 62%." It warns that rigid caps would constrain the town's ability to maintain service levels and to respond to growth.
Council members discussed the potential effects on public safety and infrastructure funding if the state were to restrict local revenue-raising authority. Council Member Fred Franklin, who moved adoption, said the resolution is meant to inform and prepare residents about the proposed state action; Council Member Brandy Allen seconded the motion. Several speakers noted that hundreds of municipalities and many counties statewide have expressed opposition to similar proposals.
The resolution directs the Town Clerk to forward a copy to the North Carolina General Assembly and to the North Carolina League of Municipalities. The council passed the measure by unanimous vote.
No binding change to state law occurred at the meeting; the resolution is a formal statement of the council's opposition and a request that state lawmakers reject measures that would limit local taxing authority.
