Local Governments Ask: What Recession?
As North Carolinians have tightened their belts, many local governments have boosted property tax bills.
If you don't mind sifting through the numbers, you can learn a lot more about the way your tax money is spent.
RALEIGH — The average North Carolinian surrendered more than 5 percent of his personal income to fund city and county government in the 2007 budget year, according to a new report from the Center for Local Innovation. The local tax and fee burden now tops more than $2,000 a year in seven of North Carolina’s largest cities.
Some N.C. local governments take actions that limit freedom for no good reason.
Local governments can take steps to help lessen the burdens associated with the economic downturn.
RALEIGH — The case for local sales and land-transfer tax increases is no better now than it was in May, when voters overwhelmingly rejected tax hikes across North Carolina. That’s the assessment of John Locke Foundation analysts who’ve investigated a series of local tax referendums on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Frequent evaluations of government programs can ensure taxpayers' money is well-spent.
RALEIGH – Local governments can help their communities prosper by holding the line on taxes and fees, minimizing regulation, and avoiding the use of force against private property owners. Those are some key recommendations in the Center for Local Innovation’s new City and County Issue Guide 2007.
CHARLOTTE — The N.C. Court of Appeals has overturned a decision by the Huntersville Town Board that denied an application to build a subdivision. In doing so, the court found that the Mecklenburg town's decision “was not supported by competent, material and substantial evidence… and was arbitrary and capricious.” North Carolina requires localities to approve permits if all code requirements are met. Riverdale met the standards of Huntersville's zoning ordinance but officials had cited other reasons for saying no.
With many municipal elections scheduled for Tuesday, perhaps the most interesting outcomes won't involve candidates at all.