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Columbus County commissioners oppose proposals to limit county property tax authority
Summary
The Columbus County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution opposing any constitutional amendment or legislative change that would restrict county property tax authority, citing local control and potential unintended consequences for services and budgets.
County Manager Eddie Madden explained the board was being asked to adopt a resolution opposing any constitutional amendment that would cap or otherwise limit county property tax authority, saying, “we certainly appreciate the assistance from our legislators in Raleigh, but when it comes to tax issues, those decisions are better served being made by boards just like yours across the state.”
The resolution argues counties are constitutionally and statutorily charged to provide public services and that property taxes are a primary locally controlled revenue source. The text warns that caps or freezes could shift costs, reduce services, delay infrastructure investment or lead to inequitable outcomes.
Commissioner Ricky Bullard moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Giles E. Byrd seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The board’s resolution directs staff to transmit the resolution to county peers and to the county’s state legislators to urge preservation of local taxing authority.
The board’s discussion emphasized local discretion in budgeting and noted concerns about revenue alternatives such as taxes on other products and about the differing fiscal capacities of larger and smaller counties.
