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Franklin County raises real‑estate rate to $0.47 per $100; restaurants tax increase fails
Summary
The Board of Supervisors voted to raise the county real‑estate tax rate from $0.43 to $0.47 per $100 assessed value and rejected a proposal to raise the meals tax from 4% to 6%. Supervisors discussed earmarking one penny for public‑safety capital but left allocation for future budget talks.
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors voted April 21 to increase the county real‑estate tax rate from $0.43 to $0.47 per $100 of assessed value to bolster county revenue available for county priorities and capital needs.
The 4‑cent increase passed on a roll‑call vote after board debate about service needs, unfunded capital replacements and the limits of county reserves. Board members said the increase was intended to provide stability for near‑term capital needs, and several supervisors suggested dedicating a portion of the increase to public‑safety apparatus; allocation will be finalized in the regular budget process.
Supervisor Meredith proposed a 4‑cent increase and suggested dedicating one penny to public‑safety capital; the board supported the rate change but deferred exact earmarks to budget deliberations.
The board considered but rejected a separate motion to increase the county meals tax from 4% to 6%. The meals‑tax motion failed on a 4‑3 vote. Supporters of a meals‑tax hike argued the tax would capture revenue from restaurant sales in the town area; opponents said an increase would be regressive and burden families on fixed incomes.
The board’s action will change 2026 tax bills sent after the county budget is finalized; staff said the increase would add roughly $140 a year on a $350,000 home at four cents (about $11–12 a month) and will be incorporated in the FY27 budget cycle.
The board emphasized the decision was a revenue fix pending further budgetary work, not a final allocation plan. County staff will incorporate the new rate into tax bills and return to the board in budget hearings with options for the use of additional revenue.
