Council talks budget in Sunset Beach

SUNSET BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Homeowners in Sunset Beach could be forking over more cash next year.

The Sunset Beach Town Council talked about the proposed budget tonight, and how the budget would affect property owners.

That budget was presented tonight in front of council. One thing that got quite a few people talking was the possibility of a tax increase for residents. The recommend budget calls for a tax increase of 5.5 cents to a total of 16 cents per $100 dollar valuation. That means about a $165 increase on property valued at $300,000.

When it came time for residents to speak out, the crowd was split between those who think the increase will be good for the town and folks who think the hike is too high.

“It’s a hardship on many senior citizens who are on fixed income. This town has wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions of dollars,” said Richard Cerrato, a Sunset Beach resident.

“I think it’s an appropriate number. A number of years ago the tax rate was actually decreased in Sunset Beach. That’s something that I would not have done,” said Karen Joseph, another resident of the beach town.

Nothing was voted on tonight and no final decisions were made. Council will take all the points brought up tonight into consideration before approving a final budget.