RALEIGH — Two local senators have been selected to work on property tax reforms in North Carolina.
Sens. Dave Craven, R-Randloph, and Tom McInnis, R-Moore, are among those chosen for the task by Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham — co-chairs of the Senate Finance Committee.
McInnis is an Ellerbe native who was first elected to the state Senate in 2014 to represent Richmond County, before switching his residency to neighboring Moore County in 2021 when districts were redrawn. Craven has represented the county since.
Other members of the group include: Sens. Brent Jackson, R-Sampson, and Michael Lee, R-New Hanover, chairs of the Appropriations Committee; and Sens. Lisa Barnes, R-Nash, Jim Burgin, R-Harnett, Steve Jarvis, R-Davidson, Chris Measmer, R-Cabarrus, Tim Moffitt, R-Henderson, and Benton Sawrey, R-Johnston.
According to a press release, the group will consider policy proposals to “rein in the runaway property tax practices” that are being implemented across the state.
“There's no difference to taxpayers whether a tax is paid to the state or to a local government; it's all money coming out of their pockets,” Berger said in a press release. “These members will examine ways to provide relief from local taxes while ensuring that local revenue is used responsibly to fund the services our constituents rely on.”
In addition to sales taxes, property taxes are the primary source of revenue for county and municipal governments.
According to the N.C. Department of Revenue, property tax rates in the state’s 100 counties range from a low of $0.225 per $100 of valuation in Carteret County to a high of $0.99 in neighboring Scotland County.
Richmond County’s rate was dropped in this fiscal year’s budget to $0.73 per $100 — the lowest rate in four decades, according to County Manager Bryan Land.
“Every day, someone in our state struggles with paying their property taxes,” McInnis said in a press release. “While many of our counties are financially sound and keep a close eye on their budgets, we have a few that are out of control.
"I appreciate the trust Senate leadership has placed in me to examine property tax reforms and I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver additional tax relief to North Carolinians.”
Five states — North Dakota, Texas, Florida, Georgia and Indiana — are reportedly proposing to eliminate property taxes.
