Haywood County postpones property reappraisal
A state-mandated countywide property reappraisal that was nearly complete and slated to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, has been shelved by Haywood County commissioners until Jan. 1, 2027, due in large part to property damage incurred during Hurricane Helene.
Inflation, deflation and the presidency
To the Editor:
The economy of this great nation, and indeed, the world, is a huge thing that, like those supertankers and container ships that help keep it all running, does not change direction very fast or easily short of some major shock to the system.
Tax cuts, vouchers, abortion drive western legislative races
North Carolina’s four westernmost state legislators are all seeking reelection this year, but their campaigns are about much more than just their individual races. Each one of them is an integral part of the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly, which has a long-term view of what the state should look like in 10 years.
Voting can change your life
To the Editor:
How can you connect at the community, regional, state and national level? At all levels, you can educate yourself on what can be done to improve your county.
Public safety, personnel costs push Waynesville tax increase
In the second split budget vote in the last four years, Waynesville’s Town Council approved a property tax hike of 3.98 cents to address mounting capital needs and maintain competitive employee compensation packages meant to reduce costly turnover.
Despite challenges, no tax increase in Canton budget
A full year after one of the county’s largest employers — the Pactiv Evergreen paper mill, in downtown Canton — shut its doors, Canton’s governing board adopted a conservative budget for fiscal year 2024-25 that contains no property tax increase.
Swain County raises taxes
Swain County will be raising its tax rate for the first time in 11 years in fiscal year 2024-25. Commissioners passed the ordinance in a 3-2 vote with commissioners David Loftis and Kenneth Parton against.
Democrats claim school vouchers detract from child care grants
As the July 1 budget deadline for Child Care Stabilization grants approaches, it appears the Republican-led North Carolina House and Senate are struggling to agree on how to spend the $30 billion or so taxpayer dollars slated for the upcoming fiscal year.
No tax increase for Jackson
Jackson County is set to approve its budget next week, funding county operations for the coming fiscal year without a tax increase for residents.
Waynesville budget will come down to the wire
A rare public impasse by Council Members over the Town of Waynesville’s proposed budget will leave things unsettled for the time being, foreshadowing prolonged negotiations over an all-but-certain tax increase.
