Wilmington residents face potential of three tax hikes

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Folks who live in Wilmington may face a triple tax whammy. As voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax increase in New Hanover County and the County Commission likely to approve a penny property tax increase, last night Wilmington City Council discussed raising its property tax to help close a budget gap.

Council members say a 3.75-cent increase would help offset the nearly $6 million deficit. Some residents think it’s only fair if council members and county commissioners take a cut too.

“I don’t mind, but a person like me that’s on a fixed income has to pay the same price as the people that have a lot of money working for the county and the city,” Esther Brown said. “I think they should take a pay cut.”

The proposed city tax increase would cost the owner of a $185,000 home about $70 more a year.